The First Uninhabited Land Discovered by Europeans: Unraveling the History

When discussing the discovery of new lands by Europeans, it's important to clarify what we mean by 'discovery.' Typically, it signifies a written documentation or exploration of undiscovered territories. In this context, Iceland stands out as the first uncharted land discovered by Europeans, far from their known territories.

What Does 'Discovered by Europeans' Mean?

By 'discovered by Europeans,' we are referring to the first uninhabited land found by Europeans, not considering known territories such as Ireland or the Shetland Islands. Iceland, which was settled by Scandinavian people in 870 AD, is often considered the first uncharted land discovered by Europeans. However, there is archaeological evidence suggesting a possible earlier settlement.

The Grand Banks, Newfoundland, and Beyond

The discovery of other lands like India and Sub-Saharan Africa was more about the knowledge of their existence, rather than the first uncharted territories. By 1500, fishermen were already exploring the Grand Banks and Newfoundland, although the first recorded sighting of Brazil by a Portuguese captain in 1503 marked a significant claim and settlement.

European Conquest and Exploration

While Europeans conquered parts of the Indian subcontinent, their knowledge of Sub-Saharan Africa and America was limited. Thus, the sequence of first land seen by Europeans can be roughly defined as follows:

Considering the sequence of travel routes first discovered, it is evident that Europe was the original destination, with large territories yet to be cultivated and explored.

The First Countries Seen by Homo Sapiens

The earliest known member of our species was found in Morocco, making it likely that this region or surrounding areas were the first to be seen by Homo sapiens. However, due to a possible population crash around 70,000 BC, many speculate that our species may have retreated to areas like South Africa, possibly later migrating to other regions.

The exact timeline and location of the first human settlement are still uncertain. Ostensibly, Israel and Saudi Arabia were the first territories outside of Africa seen by Homo sapiens during their travels. Israel has shown early occupation and is believed to have served as an important transit point.

Conclusion

Understanding the discovery of new lands by Europeans is a complex historical journey. From the recognition of known regions to the exploration of uncharted territories, the process demands a meticulous examination of history, archaeology, and geography. Whether it’s Iceland, Brazil, or the regions of Africa and America, the journey of European exploration is a testament to human curiosity and discovery.