Erik the Red

Timeline

1. c. 970–982Iceland · IcelandAfter moving to Iceland with his father he became embroiled in blood feuds and land disputes, and was sentenced by the Icelandic assembly to three years' exile for manslaughter, forcing him to leave Iceland in search of a new home.
2. c. 982–986Southwestern Greenland · GreenlandDuring his exile he sailed to Greenland and surveyed habitable land; when his sentence expired he returned to Iceland to recruit settlers, and around 986 led a fleet back to establish eastern and western settlements, naming the land Greenland to attract settlers.
3. c. 986–1003Eiriksfjord · Southwest GreenlandAs leader of Greenland's main colony he administered the eastern and western districts; his descendants later continued exploring seas further west, laying the groundwork for the voyages to Vinland (North America).