Anne Stine Ingstad
Anne Stine Ingstad (1918–1997) was a Norwegian archaeologist known for her significant contributions to the field of archaeology, particularly in the discovery and excavation of L'Anse aux Meadows, the only confirmed Norse site in North America outside of Greenland. Here are some key details about her life and work:
- Birth and Early Life: Born on February 11, 1918, in Lillehammer, Norway, Anne Stine Moe was the daughter of a prominent physician.
- Education: She studied at the University of Oslo, where she later met her husband, Helge Ingstad, who was a renowned explorer and writer.
- Marriage and Collaboration: Anne Stine Moe married Helge Ingstad in 1941, and the couple collaborated extensively on archaeological projects. Their partnership was instrumental in the discovery of the Norse site in Newfoundland.
- L'Anse aux Meadows: In 1960, Helge Ingstad came across the remains of Norse structures at L'Anse aux Meadows. Anne Stine Ingstad led the subsequent archaeological excavations from 1961 to 1968. Their findings included longhouses, a smithy, and other artifacts dating back to around the year 1000 AD, confirming the Norse presence in North America centuries before Christopher Columbus.
- Recognition: The discovery of L'Anse aux Meadows earned Anne Stine and Helge Ingstad worldwide recognition. In 1969, they were awarded the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences's gold medal for their work, and in 1992, L'Anse aux Meadows was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Other Contributions: Apart from L'Anse aux Meadows, Anne Stine Ingstad conducted research on Viking Age burial sites and settlements in Norway. She published numerous articles and books, including "The Viking Discovery of America: The Excavation of a Norse Settlement in L'Anse aux Meadows, Newfoundland," detailing their findings.
- Later Life: After Helge's death in 2001, Anne Stine continued her work, focusing on the analysis and publication of their findings. She died on November 6, 1997, in Oslo, Norway.
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