Iceland Archeology

Iceland Archeology: "Archeologists have a precise method for dating the settlement of Iceland. A volcano eruption occurred right around A.D. 871, and covered much of southwestern Iceland with a layer of ash. Any objects found below this layer would date to before A.D. 870, whereas objects found above this layer date to after that period. So far, no archeological remains or sites have been found predating the ash layer, suggesting that the settlement of Iceland was a Viking activity, without prior Celtic involvement. While sagas and the historical evidence suggest a degree (usually estimated at 30%) of Celtic participation in the settlement of Iceland, probably as slaves of Viking chieftains, the archeological evidence such as Viking Age houses and material remains indicates the settlement was overwhelmingly a Norse activity."