By the end of the western empire in the 5th century, the Silk Road had been established as a trading thoroughfare for hundreds of years. But though an active trade continued in the Eastern Roman Empire (Byzantium), western Europe wasn’t in much of a position to engage in heavy commerce. New political entities were emerging to take the place of the defunct western portion of the Roman Empire. Virtually everyone in western Europe was occupied with keeping their homes and homelands safe. There was very little need for or interest in exploring beyond their known world.
However, in the 6th century, Irish monks began to venture from their homeland in order to evangelize the British Isles. One of them, St. Brendan, traveled to the Hebrides and western Scotland, and perhaps also to Wales and even Brittany. He was also believed to have made an epic sea voyage in search of a "Promised Land of the Saints," a story immortalized in the Navigatio Brendani ("Voyage of Brendan").
Written in the 10th century, and possibly composed as early as the 8th, the Navigatio Brendani tells of a seven-year journey that ended when Brendan and his fellow monks landed on an island in the Atlantic. There is no historical proof of this journey, though it is possible Brendan did make an extended voyage and in the process discovered some islands. One theory suggests Brendan made it as far as the Americas; however, it's just as likely that he encountered the Canary Islands, if indeed he discovered any islands at all.
In addition to Brendan's fantastic voyage, other Irish monks were believed to have journeyed as far as Iceland. Norse sagas suggest as much when they state that Irish monks were already in Iceland when the Norse arrived in 870 C.E. It is important to note, however, that the sagas were written in the 12th century. Modern evidence that supports this theory is a substantial portion of Celtic traits in the genetic makeup of today's Icelanders. However, such could be explained by the Norse settlers bringing along Irish captives or hiring Irish boatmen who settled with them; so the debate continues.
Aside from the "seafaring saints," there were few, if any, who ventured into unknown territory until Viking activity began in the late 8th century.
Related Resources
Map of the Known World in the 5th CenturyA simple rendering of what 5th century European scholars, leaders and traders understood the extent of their world to be. Created by your Guide and available right here at the Medieval History site.
Navigatio Brendani
Modern English translation by Denis O’Donoghue at the Celtic Christianity e-Library.
The Seafaring Saints
Very attractive site by a devout admirer of early Celtic saints whose religious zeal sent them seeking converts. Site includes a map and segments on Saints Aidan, Brendan, Columba, Columbanus, Patrick and others.
Early Explorations
A directory of resources about Early Explorations on the web.
