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Island Realms's District of
Vinland
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Vinland (Newfoundland) was founded and named by Leif Eriksson after visiting Helluland and Markland. The word "Vin" at that time meant "pasture" or "plain" and not grapes as in vines which, according to the story of the discovery of grapes growing wild there is a misnomer.
In 1960 a Norse settlement was found at L'Anse aux Meadows which lies at the northern tip of Newfoundland. It is an interesting place and contains a number of Viking ruins. This viking settlement in the Americas pre dates the arrival of Columbus by 500 years and is thought to be the colony set up by Leif Eriksson circa AD 1000. 
The settlement contained around eight buildings, including a forge and smelter, and a lumber yard that supported a shipyard. The largest longhouse measured 28.8 by 15.6 m and consisted of several rooms. Sewing and knitting tools found at the site also indicate women were present on their journey. Although it is not possible to conclusively verify that L'Anse aux Meadows is indeed the Vinland of Saga, it appears that this is most likely the original colony as it is known for certain that a group of Norse colonists lived here around the year AD 1000. What is known, is that the site was used for about 2-3 years till its abandonment. Both literary and archaeological evidence suggest the site was abandoned due to poor relations with the native inhabitants. The sagas also tell an interesting story: in their wish to build good relationships with the native Indians, the Vikings invited some Indian chieftains to one of their feasts, where milk was also served. The Indians probably suffering from lactose intolerance, got sick and suspected poisoning. This may have contributed to their unsuccessful attempts at peaceful relations leading to the abandonment of the settlement. |
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