Date of Birth: December 30, 1899
Zodiac Sign: Capricorn
Date of Death: March 29, 2001
Biography
Helge Marcus Ingstad was a renowned Norwegian explorer, archaeologist, and historian who made significant contributions to our understanding of early Norse settlements in North America. Born on December 30, 1899, in Meråker, Norway, Ingstad initially pursued a career in law, graduating with a law degree from the Royal Frederick University (now the University of Oslo) in 1922. However, his passion for exploration soon led him to abandon his legal career. In 1926, Ingstad traveled to Canada, where he lived as a trapper in the Northwest Territories. His experiences during this period were later chronicled in his book, “The Land of Feast and Famine” (1931). Following his time in Canada, he served as the Governor of Erik the Red’s Land in Greenland from 1932 to 1933. Ingstad’s most notable achievement came in 1960 when he, along with his wife, archaeologist Anne Stine Ingstad, discovered the remnants of a Norse settlement at L’Anse aux Meadows in Newfoundland, Canada. This discovery provided the first unequivocal evidence that the Vikings had reached North America around the year 1000 AD, nearly 500 years before Christopher Columbus. Ingstad’s work earned him numerous accolades and honors, including several honorary doctorates and the Royal Geographical Society’s Patron’s Medal. He continued to write and lecture about his discoveries until his death on March 29, 2001.
5 Interesting Facts about Helge Ingstad
1. Helge Ingstad served as the Governor of Erik the Red’s Land in Greenland from 1932 to 1933.
2. He discovered the Viking settlement at L’Anse aux Meadows in Newfoundland, Canada, in 1960.
3. Ingstad’s book, “The Land of Feast and Famine,” is based on his experiences living as a trapper in the Canadian Arctic.
4. His wife, Anne Stine Ingstad, was an archaeologist who played a crucial role in the excavation of L’Anse aux Meadows.
5. Ingstad received the Patron’s Medal from the Royal Geographical Society for his contributions to exploration and archaeology.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Helge Ingstad
1. “Every human being is a wanderer at heart. We are all drawn to the unknown.”
2. “The discovery of L’Anse aux Meadows was not just a personal triumph, but a testament to the spirit of exploration and human curiosity.”
3. “History is a tapestry woven from the threads of countless lives, each contributing to the larger picture.”
4. “The Arctic has a way of revealing the true character of a person. It’s a place where you cannot hide behind pretense.”
5. “To understand the past, one must walk in the footsteps of those who came before us.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
Helge Ingstad’s highest net worth is not well-documented, but his contributions to history and archaeology are invaluable.
Children
Helge Ingstad and his wife Anne Stine Ingstad had one daughter, Benedicte Ingstad, who is an accomplished medical anthropologist.
Relevant Links
1. [Helge Ingstad – Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helge_Ingstad
2. [L’Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site](https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/lhn-nhs/nl/meadows
