Establishing the Norse Presence
Origins and Migration
Greenland was first settled by Norse Vikings in the late 980s CE, when Erik the Red and his followers arrived from Iceland, establishing the Eastern Settlement along the southwestern coast.
These Norsemen had previously migrated from Norway to Iceland due to conflicts and a search for new lands.
Erik’s son, Leif Erikson, would later explore and temporarily establish a settlement in North America.
Agricultural Practices and Diet
Despite Greenland’s overall harsh and icy environment, the Norse settlers, during what’s known as the Medieval Warm Period, found fertile regions along the southwestern coast for agriculture.
They focused on cultivating crops and raising livestock such as sheep, goats, cattle, and pigs.
Settlers also relied on hunting game and marine resources like seals and fish for sustenance.
Interaction with Indigenous Populations
The Norse Greenlanders shared the land with the indigenous Thule people, the ancestors of the modern Inuit.
While there were occasional trade exchanges between the two populations, conflicts and competition for resources may have also arisen.
During the Norse presence in what is now Greenland, settlers built monumental structures like churches.
Notable examples include the Gardar Cathedral and the Hvalsey church.
The churches not only served religious purposes but also functioned as centers for social gatherings and political power.
Unfortunately, the settlements in Greenland were eventually abandoned between 1350 and 1500, with the reasons being a combination of climate change, challenges in agriculture, competition with indigenous populations, and the increased isolation due to changes in trade routes.
Environmental Challenges and Societal Change
Climate Impact and Adaptation
During the Viking’s time in Greenland, they faced numerous climate challenges that affected their way of life.
The climate was colder than that of their homeland, mainly due to the presence of the Greenland Ice Sheet.
The Norsemen had to adapt to these colder conditions by adjusting their farming and hunting practices.
For instance, they started farming in the sheltered fjords, where the soil was more fertile, and began hunting caribou and other local game.
When the temperature dropped during the so-called Little Ice Age, Vikings were forced to adapt even further, as their traditional crops failed.
They turned to livestock (such as sheep and goats) to provide wool for clothing and food during the harsher conditions.
Besides, Vikings were known to trade with the Inuit people, learning from their survival skills in the colder environment.
Economic Activities and Trade
The Vikings in Greenland were heavily reliant on trade to maintain their way of life.
One of their valuable commodities for trade was walrus ivory, which was in high demand in Europe during the Middle Ages.
Besides ivory, they also traded other goods like furs and narwhal tusks.
However, as the climate worsened, it became more challenging for the Vikings to maintain economic activities and their trade routes.
The fjords, once bustling with trading activity, started to freeze, making access to their European trading partners difficult.
This had a negative impact on Greenland’s economy and contributed to the decline of the Viking settlements.
Decline and Disappearance
There are several theories regarding the decline and eventual disappearance of the Vikings in Greenland.
Some researchers suggest that changing climate conditions during the Little Ice Age led to widespread societal problems, including soil erosion and overgrazing, which made agriculture less productive.
Additionally, it is suggested that a series of other factors like epidemic diseases such as the Black Death, conflicts with Inuit communities, or the changing value of European trade markets may have also played a role in the collapse of the Viking settlements.
However, it is essential to note that research on this topic is still ongoing, and the true reasons behind the Vikings’ decline in Greenland remain a fascinating historical mystery.