Abstract
Radiocarbon age determination in the 1970s of some 40 archaeological samples strongly indicates a Norse settlement (landnam) in both Reykjavik and the Westman Islands, Iceland, at about AD 700. This early date has generally been rejected by Icelandic scientists because it contradicts the firmly established dating of the settlement (landnam) at about AD 870. In the present article a critical search for an error in the radiocarbon dating work resulted in no weakness being found in the dating material. The history of the landnam of Iceland is thus caught in a dilemma, one which also affects the history of neighbouring countries. A necessary programme for extensive and more precise radiocarbon dating and a critical re‐evaluation of arguments for the conventional date of settlement are outlined.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
