Thor Heyerdahl

Date of Birth: October 6, 1914

Zodiac Sign: Libra

Date of Death: April 18, 2002

Biography

Thor Heyerdahl was a renowned Norwegian explorer, anthropologist, and author, best known for his daring expeditions across the world’s oceans. He was born on October 6, 1914, in Larvik, Norway. Heyerdahl’s passion for exploring ancient cultures and proving his theories about early human migration led him to undertake several groundbreaking voyages. One of his most famous expeditions was the 1947 Kon-Tiki expedition, where he sailed 8,000 kilometers (around 5,000 miles) across the Pacific Ocean on a balsawood raft to demonstrate that ancient people could have made long sea voyages, linking separate cultures. This journey was later chronicled in a best-selling book and an Academy Award-winning documentary film. Heyerdahl conducted other notable expeditions, including the Ra and Tigris voyages, continuing to explore and challenge established historical and anthropological theories. Throughout his life, he published numerous books and articles, contributing significantly to the field of anthropology. Thor Heyerdahl passed away on April 18, 2002, in Colla Micheri, Italy, leaving behind a legacy of adventurous spirit and scientific inquiry.

5 Interesting Facts about Thor Heyerdahl

1. Thor Heyerdahl’s Kon-Tiki expedition was named after the Inca sun god, Viracocha, who was also known as Kon-Tiki.

2. Heyerdahl’s Ra II voyage in 1970 successfully crossed the Atlantic Ocean from Morocco to Barbados, using a papyrus boat modeled after ancient Egyptian vessels.

3. In 1955-1956, he led the Norwegian Archaeological Expedition to Easter Island, where he conducted extensive research on the island’s mysterious moai statues.

4. Heyerdahl was awarded the Grand Cross of the Royal Norwegian Order of St. Olav in 1987, one of Norway’s highest honors.

5. He wrote over 20 books, many of which became international best-sellers and were translated into multiple languages.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Thor Heyerdahl

1. “Borders? I have never seen one. But I have heard they exist in the minds of some people.”

2. “Progress is man’s ability to complicate simplicity.”

3. “Civilization grew in the beginning from the minute that we had communication – particularly communication by sea that enabled people to get inspiration and ideas from each other and to exchange basic raw materials.”

4. “The world is a better place because of those who refuse to believe they are limited by the circumstances.”

5. “It is also rarer to find happiness in a man surrounded by the miracles of technology than among people living in more primitive conditions.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, Thor Heyerdahl’s net worth was estimated to be around $10 million, primarily derived from his books, documentaries, and lecture tours.

Children

Thor Heyerdahl had five children: Thor Heyerdahl Jr., Marian Heyerdahl, Annette Heyerdahl, Bengt Heyerdahl, and Helene Elisabeth Heyerdahl. His children have pursued various careers, some staying out of the public eye while others, like Marian Heyerdahl, have followed in his footsteps in the arts and exploration.