Marty Lagina: “This Ancient Viking Discovery Will Change Everything!”

Ends with this unbelievably dramatic flooding and that’s kind of the last we’ve really seen of you and the whole team. Uh, where did things stand right now in the Money Pit?

Oh, it’s just like you said. I mean, you’re not alone in being excited for answers at the end of last year. In the latest episode of The Curse of Oak Island season 12, the Lagina brothers made a strange discovery. They have stumbled upon something that could rewrite history again. This time, it is all about the Vikings. Turns out, they have uncovered evidence that might finally prove there is a Viking connection to Oak Island. Let that sink in for a moment. Vikings, who supposedly appeared in a region nearby, might have actually left their mark on this island.

So what did they find and how could this discovery change everything we thought we knew about Oak Island? When it comes to Oak Island, you have to admit it is a place that never stops surprising. For decades, treasure hunters, historians, and enthusiasts have been captivated by its countless mysteries. There is buried treasure, hidden tunnels, and now a potential Viking connection. In this part of the story, Marty Lagina and his team took their search over 600 miles away to Newfoundland, Canada. Their destination was L’Anse aux Meadows, the only confirmed Viking settlement in North America.

While Oak Island might keep us guessing, L’Anse aux Meadows is the real connection to Viking history. And here’s why: this site, discovered in 1960 by Norwegian explorer Helga Ingstad and his archaeologist wife Anne Stein Ingstad, is proof that the Norse were on this side of the Atlantic. It dates back to around the year 1000, long before Columbus supposedly discovered the New World. Spanning 31 square miles, L’Anse aux Meadows has revealed eight structures, including what seems to have been a forge. Imagine that— a place where Viking blacksmiths hammered out iron tools centuries before Europeans were officially supposed to be here.

The settlement has yielded over 800 artifacts so far, from everyday tools to remnants of ancient Norse craftsmanship. Think about it— this was not just a passing visit. The Vikings were here with a purpose, setting up what you could call a base of operations. According to the sagas, those old Norse tales, they came from Greenland. They were there to explore this new territory for resources.

But the thing is, while L’Anse aux Meadows is an incredible discovery, it is also a bit of a mystery. If the Vikings were here, where else might they have gone? That’s exactly what Marty and his team wanted to figure out. Marty did not head to Newfoundland alone. He was joined by his trusty crew, including archaeologist Lar Nen and metallurgist Emma Culligan, to dig deeper into this Viking history.

Their theory was that the Vikings might have made it even further south, possibly to Oak Island. It sounds wild at first, but when you think about it, the pieces start to fit. During their travels across Europe, the team uncovered some fascinating clues. They visited medieval sites in Italy, Denmark, and Iceland, following a trail that suggested Norse descendants may have worked with none other than the Knights Templar. Yes, those Knights Templar— the legendary protectors of priceless religious treasures.

And the interesting thing here is that at several locations, they found symbols and artifacts strikingly similar to ones uncovered on Oak Island over the past two centuries. Could the Vikings have had a hand in transporting treasures to the island? It is a mind-blowing thought, but the evidence keeps stacking up.

Back at L’Anse aux Meadows, the team spoke with experts like Loretta Decker from Parks Canada. According to her, the settlement was not just a random stop. It was more like a base camp. It was a place for resource extraction and regrouping. She compared it to setting up camp on the moon, which is a pretty vivid image. The Vikings likely used this spot to stock up on supplies before heading further south.

Now let us tell you about a shocking thing: the sagas mention a place called Hop, believed to be a summer settlement somewhere south of Newfoundland. This elusive site could be in Nova Scotia or even on Oak Island. It is not such a stretch when you consider what they found nearby— butternut seeds.

Okay, butternuts might not sound like much, but stay with us. These seeds were discovered in the L’Anse aux Meadows region, and they tell us something incredible. The Vikings went much further south than Newfoundland. How do we know? Well, butternuts don’t grow in Newfoundland. The nearest place they could have come from is the Nova Scotia/New Brunswick area. In other words, the Vikings were definitely on the move, venturing into territories far beyond their base camp.

Now, if they made it to Nova Scotia, is it possible they reached Oak Island? It is definitely a possibility. And while there is no definitive proof just yet, the connections are too strong to ignore. If you are wondering why this is such a big deal, think about what it means for history. For years, we have been taught a specific narrative about when Europeans arrived in North America. The idea that Vikings could have explored and possibly influenced regions like Oak Island throws a wrench in the traditional timeline.

Plus, let’s not forget the ongoing mystery of Oak Island itself. Over the years, searchers have unearthed countless artifacts and clues, but the story has always been incomplete. Adding the Vikings to the story could change everything. And now they started to talk about other possibilities. Marty suggests that if the Vikings traveled as far south as Nova Scotia, there is every reason to believe they could have reached Oak Island. This is not some wild leap; it is a logical extension of the evidence.

If they were moving down the Atlantic coast, stopping at places rich in resources, Oak Island with its strategic location and natural harbors might have been a perfect spot for a pit stop—or even a more significant set. The question is not just whether they visited, but what they might have left behind.

Doug then dropped a fascinating tidbit that changed the whole narrative. He said that the sagas mention Norse interactions with none other than the Pope. Yes, the Pope. It sounds like a made-up fact, but it makes sense when you think about the time period. The Norse were known to interact with European powers, and the Catholic Church, with its influence and reach, often played a central role in exploration and land claims.

If the Pope and the Norse had a connection, it is not unreasonable to think the Vikings could have been part of a larger operation involving the Knights Templar. The Templars were no strangers to North America theories either. Stories about their secretive voyages and hidden treasures have been tied to Oak Island for years. If there is even a chance the Vikings collaborated with them or followed their trails, that’s a huge piece of the puzzle.

After all, the Templars loved secrecy, and who better to help navigate the unknown than the Norse, who were known to be master sailors and explorers? Doug backed up his claim with some historical breadcrumbs. On Oak Island, they have found traces of European activity dating back to the 13th century— that’s earlier than most of the other artifacts typically linked to Oak Island’s story.

And while those earlier finds have always been intriguing, the possibility that they are tied to the Vikings suddenly makes the timeline more cohesive. It is not just random pieces anymore. It is starting to feel like part of a deliberate sequence of events.

Kevin chimed in to highlight something we cannot overlook here. Many of the sagas and records from this time are tied to the Catholic Church. The Church was not just a spiritual power, it was deeply political and had a vested interest in expanding its influence westward. So if the Norse were working under or alongside the Church, their travels to places like Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, or even Oak Island could have been part of a larger plan— land claims, resource extraction, and strategic positioning all come to mind.

By this point, the team is clearly buzzing with ideas. But before they got too carried away, Loretta stepped in with a bit of a cliffhanger and asked everyone to go with her, as she had something exciting to show them.

The final stretch of this journey at L’Anse aux Meadows was a whirlwind of discoveries, history lessons, and theories that could tie the Vikings directly to Oak Island. It is not every day you watch modern researchers try to connect medieval Vikings to one of North America’s most enduring mysteries.

The team started this segment by meeting Ragnar— or rather, Mark, a blacksmith trained in Viking-era techniques. And honestly, he is the perfect guide for this leg of the exploration. With 25 years of experience working in Viking reconstruction, Mark is a walking encyclopedia of all things Norse. His insights immediately help frame the question at hand: could the Vikings have left artifacts or signs on Oak Island? Mark’s role here is to provide technical expertise on tools and materials from the Viking Age, and let’s just say he does not disappoint.

His expertise will come in handy as the team examines a fascinating artifact tied to Oak Island’s past. Doug introduced an artifact to begin the conversation. He talked about the arrowhead they found. The story goes that this item was first uncovered during a dig back in 1965, but it was only recently reacquired for further study. And this is where things get interesting: when this artifact was shown to an archaeologist in Denmark, it was flagged as being very similar to Viking-era weaponry.

Now let’s pause for a second. Viking arrowheads were not just tools of war, they were also a reflection of advanced craftsmanship. These were not crude weapons; they were precise, durable, and tailored for specific uses. If this arrowhead really is of Viking origin, it is a big deal. It is not just a random artifact, it is potential evidence that the Vikings ventured further south than we have confirmed so far.

Emma Culligan, the team’s metallurgist, took a closer look at the arrowhead using an X-ray fluorescent spectrometer. This device uses radiation to analyze the composition of an object without damaging it, which is a perfect tool for fragile historical artifacts. According to her findings, the arrowhead’s material predates the 1600s. That alone puts it in the ballpark of the Viking era and aligns with other medieval artifacts found on Oak Island.

So, could this arrowhead be Viking? Maybe. Emma’s analysis did not definitively confirm its origin, but it did add weight to the theory. It was one more piece of evidence that suggests a deeper, older history for Oak Island than we previously thought.

And then we get to borer, a naturally occurring iron deposit that’s basically a Viking hallmark. Mark explained how borer, a mix of ferric oxide and sand, was commonly used in Europe for forging tools and weapons as far back as the 5th century BC. It is also found in swampy areas, which just so happens to include both L’Anse aux Meadows and Oak Island.

So, is it just a coincidence? Maybe, but it is certainly worth investigating. The team gathered samples of borer from the L’Anse aux Meadows region for testing. The goal was to compare its composition to the iron used in artifacts from Oak Island. If the materials match, it could be the smoking gun that ties Viking activity directly to the island.

The significance of this potential connection cannot be overstated. Viking blacksmithing techniques were highly advanced for their time. If the arrowhead or any other artifact found on Oak Island was made using borer, it would be a strong indicator of Norse involvement. And remember, the Vikings were not just warriors, they were skilled artisans, explorers, and traders. Their presence on Oak Island would open up a whole new narrative about the island’s history.

Marty summed up the situation perfectly. Oak Island has become incredibly complex, with so many different theories, artifacts, and timelines. It is a puzzle with pieces that seem to come from entirely different boxes. But every discovery, like this arrowhead or the borer, helps eliminate some possibilities while opening the door to others.

What is particularly exciting about this phase of the investigation is how it builds on existing evidence. The idea of European activity on Oak Island in the 13th century is no longer just a theory. It is a narrative supported by artifacts, historical accounts, and now scientific analysis. The Viking connection adds a layer of richness to the story. It intertwined exploration, craftsmanship, and the mystery of Oak Island in a way that feels almost too good to be true.

Let’s take a moment to speculate: if the Vikings really did explore Oak Island, what were they doing there? Were they just passing through, leaving traces of their adventures, or was there a more deliberate, calculated purpose behind their presence?

Adding to the intrigue is the possibility of a connection to the Knights Templar, who are often theorized to have used Oak Island as a secret repository for treasures and artifacts. First, consider the logistics. The Vikings were unrivaled navigators of their time. Their long ships, sleek and efficient, were designed for both open ocean and shallow waterways, allowing them to traverse vast distances and explore uncharted territories with ease.

By the time the Templars rose to prominence in the 12th century, the Vikings had already laid the groundwork for transatlantic exploration, with settlements like L’Anse aux Meadows. If the Templars needed a trustworthy group to aid in transporting or hiding treasures, the Norse would have been a logical choice. Their expertise in navigation and survival in harsh conditions could have made them invaluable allies.

Plus, the Templars were known for their secrecy and strategic partnerships. So, the idea of them teaming up with Norse explorers is not as far-fetched as it might seem.

The artifacts found on Oak Island over the years make things even more interesting. Symbols linked to the Templars, like the famous cross P, have been discovered alongside other medieval objects. Maybe these items indicate a shared history between the two groups, or maybe they simply point to independent visits by different European explorers.

Now let’s examine the evidence of Viking presence in North America. L’Anse aux Meadows is the only confirmed Viking settlement in the region, but it is not the only clue. Butternut seeds found at the site indicate the Norse traveled much farther south than Newfoundland, as these trees don’t grow in the area. This aligns with the sagas, which describe a place called Vinland, rich in resources. While Vinland’s exact location remains debated, the evidence suggests it could be in the vicinity of Nova Scotia.

Artifacts resembling Norse craftsmanship have also been discovered in other parts of North America. For example, the Maine Penny, a silver coin from 11th-century Norway, was found in a Native American archaeological site in the 1950s. Though some debate its authenticity, it raises the possibility of Viking-Native American interactions, whether through trade, exploration, or settlement.

On the other hand, the Templar connection is where things get strange. Historical records confirm the Templars were a powerful Catholic order during the Crusades. These were tasked with protecting pilgrims and managing vast wealth. However, there is no solid evidence tying them to North America. The theory hinges largely on speculation and the mysterious disappearance of Templar treasures after their order was disbanded in the 14th century.

If the Templars did come to Oak Island, what could they have left behind? Proponents of this theory argue that their treasure, possibly including the Holy Grail or the Ark of the Covenant, might have been hidden in the Money Pit. But this is where skepticism comes in. No definitive Templar artifacts have been unearthed on Oak Island, and the dates don’t always align with their timeline of activity in Europe.

Meanwhile, the case for Viking involvement on Oak Island gains traction with each new find. The arrowhead, analyzed by Emma Culligan, with its pre-1600 composition, adds to the possibility of medieval activity on the island. Borer, a material commonly used by Vikings, was identified both on Oak Island and at L’Anse aux Meadows. If these materials can be matched through further analysis, it would strengthen the argument for a Norse connection. Moreover, borer was not just a resource for tools and weapons; it was a cornerstone of Viking settlements. Finding it on Oak Island might suggest the Norse were not just passing through but potentially using the area as a resource hub.

If that’s the case, what other evidence might be hidden in the island’s soil?

Now, why does this all matter? Well, a confirmed Viking presence on Oak Island would push back the timeline of European activity in the Americas by centuries. It would also force historians to reconsider the interactions between indigenous populations and European explorers, as well as the motivations behind these early voyages.

However, it is essential to approach these theories critically. For every tantalizing clue, there is a counterpoint to consider. The Templar connection, for example, relies heavily on circumstantial evidence and gaps in historical records. Even the Viking theory, while supported by physical evidence, is still far from conclusive.

Let’s not ignore the skeptics. Many argue that the artifacts found on Oak Island could have been brought there later by settlers or collectors. For example, the Maine Penny could have been traded or misplaced long after the Viking era. Similarly, the presence of borer might not necessarily indicate Viking activity. It is a naturally occurring material that could have been used by other groups.

Additionally, the lack of definitive Viking structures or settlements on Oak Island raises questions. If the Norse were there, why haven’t we found more concrete evidence like dwellings or tools? It is possible they visited briefly or left only minimal traces, but it is also possible the artifacts attributed to them have other explanations.

At the end of the day, the idea of Vikings and Templars working together on Oak Island is both thrilling and frustrating. It is a story that feels like it should fit together, but the pieces don’t always align perfectly. That does not mean we should dismiss it outright, though. With history being full of surprises, perhaps The Curse of Oak Island team will uncover more evidence as they continue their search. Who knows, maybe they will finally find the proof needed to connect these legendary groups and solve the mystery once and for all.

What do you think? Do these new findings really point to a Viking presence on Oak Island? Tell us your theory in the comments below, and while you’re here, don’t forget to hit that subscribe button for more updates and theories. Until then…