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Why this settlement was abandoned is not known, but one suggested reason was harassment from the native Americans, who outnumbered the settlers despite the fighting prowess of the Norse.  Another explanation is economic - while the region offered valuable resources, in practical terms Europe was as close as Vinland and had more to offer.<ref>http://www.pc.gc.ca/lhn-nhs/nl/meadows/natcul/vinland_e.asp</ref>

Why this settlement was abandoned is not known, but one suggested reason was harassment from the native Americans, who outnumbered the settlers despite the fighting prowess of the Norse.  Another explanation is economic - while the region offered valuable resources, in practical terms Europe was as close as Vinland and had more to offer.<ref>http://www.pc.gc.ca/lhn-nhs/nl/meadows/natcul/vinland_e.asp</ref>

According to the available documentary source, the Nordic sagas, Erikson was a [[Christian]] convert, and spread his new religion to his colonies.<ref>[http://www.gutenberg.org/files/17946/17946-h/17946-h.htm#chap_4 Saga of Erik the Red, chapter 4]</ref>

According to the available documentary source, the Nordic sagas, Erikson was a [[Christian]] convert, and spread his new religion to his colonies.<ref>[http://www.gutenberg.org/files/17946/17946-h/17946-h.htm#chap_4 Saga of Erik the Red, chapter 4]</ref>  His conversion took place during a visit to Norway in 999 A.D., where he was converted by King Olaf I, and instructed to carry the faith to Greenland. <ref>http://www.bartleby.com/65/le/LeifEric.html The Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition.  2001-07</ref>

Leif returned to Greenland in 1001.  Leif never returned and attempts at settlement of Vinland were unsuccessful due to the native North Americans.

Leif returned to Greenland in 1001.  Leif never returned and attempts at settlement of Vinland were unsuccessful due to the native North Americans.