Ancient Sheep Poop Reveals Pre-Viking Settlement in the Faroe Islands
The Arrival of the Celts
The Faroe Islands, located between Norway and Iceland in the North Atlantic, were once thought to have been first settled by Vikings around 850 C.E. However, recent research has uncovered evidence suggesting that the islands were inhabited centuries earlier by the Celts.
Analysis of ancient sheep feces found at the bottom of a lake on the island of Eysturoy revealed the presence of domesticated sheep between 492 and 512 C.E. This discovery, along with the absence of any signs of mammal life on the islands prior to the fifth century, indicates that the sheep must have been brought over by settlers.
Evidence from Charred Barley Grains
Further corroboration of a pre-Viking presence on the Faroe Islands comes from a 2013 study of charred barley grains discovered beneath the floor of a Viking longhouse on the island of Sandoy. These grains were dated to between 300 and 500 years before the arrival of Norse settlers in the region.
Other Possible Indications of Early Habitation
Medieval texts suggest that Irish monks may have reached the Faroe Islands in the early sixth century. Additionally, undated Celtic grave markers and place names have been found on the islands. Some experts have also speculated that the “Isle of the Blessed,” a site visited by Saint Brendan between 512 and 530 C.E., may have been located in the Faroes.
DNA Evidence
DNA analysis of modern Faroe Island residents shows that their paternal ancestry is mostly Scandinavian, while their maternal DNA is mainly British or Irish. This could be a sign of Vikings bringing non-Scandinavian women with them on their voyages or intermixing of the new arrivals with an existing Celtic-descended population.
Environmental Changes
The introduction of sheep to the Faroe Islands had a significant impact on the local environment. Analysis of sediment cores from the lake on Eysturoy shows that woody plants like willow, juniper, and birch disappeared around the time of the sheep’s arrival. These plants were replaced by grass-like, grazing-friendly vegetation.
Implications for Future Research
The discovery of pre-Viking settlement in the Faroe Islands opens up new avenues for research. Archaeologist Kevin Edwards of the University of Aberdeen suggests that future studies could focus on identifying the origins of the Celtic settlers and exploring their interactions with the Vikings who arrived later.
The Role of Long-Distance Sailing
The arrival of the Celts on the Faroe Islands demonstrates the importance of long-distance sailing in the exploration and settlement of new lands. Despite their well-earned reputation for seafaring, Scandinavians only adopted long-distance sailing between 750 and 820 C.E., later than some other Europeans.
Conclusion
The evidence presented in this article strongly suggests that the Faroe Islands were inhabited by the Celts centuries before the arrival of the Vikings. This discovery provides a fascinating glimpse into the complex history of human settlement in the North Atlantic and raises important questions about the interactions between different cultures in this remote region.