Did Columbus Know About Greenland and Iceland When He Sailed West?

Christopher Columbus, the Italian explorer and navigator, embarked on his historic voyage to find a westerly route to Asia in 1492. However, it is often forgotten that the regions of Greenland and Iceland were known to Europeans well before his time. This article explores Columbus's possible knowledge of these lands and the historical context of their exploration.

THE ORIGINS OF NORDIC EXPLORATION

Well before Columbus's voyages, Norse explorers led by figures like Leif Erikson had already reached North America around the year 1000. They established settlements in Greenland and briefly in Newfoundland, Canada, marking the first known European presence in the Americas.

COLUMBUS'S GOALS AND LIMITATIONS

Columbus's primary aim was to find a western route to Asia based on the prevailing belief that the Earth was smaller and that Asia extended further east than it actually does. While his knowledge of the northern lands such as Greenland and Iceland would have been limited, it is possible that he was aware of their existence through maps and stories from earlier explorers.

CLASHING STORIES AND EVIDENCE

Theories about Columbus's awareness of the Norse journeys are often conflicting. Some scholars suggest that he might have used the stories of the Vikings as a basis for his voyages, possibly believing them to be genuine. However, it appears that Columbus went too far south to reach Greenland and Iceland, with his discovery of North America arising from a fortunate find, rather than from precise navigation guided by knowledge of these regions.

THE MYTH OF COLUMBUS'S VISIT TO ICELAND

There is a controversial claim that Columbus visited Iceland in 1470 and heard of Greenland during his stay. However, this claim is disputed due to the fact that the last contacts between Greenland and Iceland ceased in 1420, attributed to climate changes and the Little Ice Age. Furthermore, an Italian translation of a supposed 90-year-old Spanish text by Columbus's son, titled Book of the Acts, includes many errors about Iceland, suggesting that this claim is likely a fabrication.

THE LACK OF EVIDENCE FOR ARAB AND EUROPEAN KNOWLEDGE

It is also important to note that there is no concrete evidence suggesting that Iberian mariners had knowledge of Greenland. Even claims about knowledge of Iceland are often attributed to rumor, with only some in the Church and the Norse being aware of the settle status of the area.

In conclusion, while it is fascinating to consider the possibility that Columbus had knowledge of Greenland and Iceland, the available evidence suggests that these regions were not a primary focus of his voyages. The world of exploration was complex, and the discovery of the Americas was the result of numerous expeditions and conjectures, but it remains a significant area of historical inquiry.

Keywords: Christopher Columbus, Greenland, Iceland, Norse Exploration