Viking Iceland: Sagas and Archaeology Reveal Settlement History
Iceland's Viking settlement is documented through Norse sagas and archaeological findings. Naddoður first discovered the island in the 9th century, followed by Garðar Svavarsson and Hrafna-Flóki Vilgerðarson. Permanent inhabitants, Hallveig Fróðadóttir and Ingólfur Arnarson, arrived circa 874 CE. Although sagas from the 13th and 14th centuries are often considered unreliable, archaeological evidence indicates Norse activity as early as the 6th century, with artifacts found beneath a volcanic ash layer dated to 871 CE. Excavations have uncovered ship settings, boat burials, longhouses, and various artifacts. Strontium isotope analysis of 90 burials reveals a diverse population, which peaked between 4,300 and 24,000. The Althing was founded around 930, and Iceland converted to Christianity around 1000 CE before being conquered by Norway in the 13th century.
Key facts
- Naddoður discovered Iceland in the 9th century.
- First permanent settlers Hallveig Fróðadóttir and Ingólfur Arnarson arrived around 874 CE.
- Sagas were written in the 13th and 14th centuries, centuries after events.
- Archaeological evidence suggests Norse presence as early as the 6th century.
- Three boat burials discovered in Eyjafjörður in 2017.
- Longhouse found under Reykjavik in 2001 dating to around 870 CE.
- Strontium isotope analysis of 90 burials shows settlers from diverse origins.
- Population estimated between 4,300 and 24,000 at height.
- Althing established around 930 CE.
- Erik the Red banished from Iceland, leading to Greenland settlement.
- Vikings imported animals and traded walrus ivory and cloth.
- Iceland accepted Christianity around 1000 CE.
- Norway conquered Iceland in the 13th century.
Entities
Artists
- Naddoður
- Garðar Svavarsson
- Hrafna-Flóki Vilgerðarson
- Hallveig Fróðadóttir
- Ingólfur Arnarson
- Snorri Sturluson
- Erik the Red
- Harald Fairhair
- Olaf Tryggvason
- Jón Gunnar Árnason
Institutions
- Swedish History Museum
- National Museum of Denmark
- Reykjavík City Museum
- University of Cologne
- National Museums Scotland
- University of Chicago
Locations
- Iceland
- Norway
- Faroe Islands
- Sweden
- Garðarshólm
- Mosfell Valley
- Eyjafjörður
- North Iceland
- Skagafjörður
- Reykjavik
- Ketilsstaðir
- British Isles
- Greenland
- England
- Ireland
- Constantinople
- Norwegian Sea
- Stockholm
- Copenhagen
- Edinburgh