Science: Olof Ohman's Runes

Eight Goths and 22 Norwegians on exploration journey from Vinland westward. We had camped by two islands one day's journey north from this stone. We were and fish[ed] one day. After we came home [we] found ten [of our] men red with blood and dead. A.V.M. [Ave Virgo Maria] save [us] from evil. [We] have 10 men [of our party] by the sea to look after our ship[s] 14 days' journey from this island. Year 1362.

When Farmer Olof Ohman stumbled across this laconic (but, to him, illegible) account of adventure and death, near Kensington, Minn, in 1898, he had no idea...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!