Here is a paper that presents evidence that the arctic had less ice 6000 to 7000 years ago than it does now. But, the researcher must be politically correct with regard to global warming, so says that the forces dominating climate were different then than now. It would be interesting to know what forces were dominating climate then, and how we know that those forces are not a factor now.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081020095850.htm