What Happened to the Norse in Greenland?

  • Thread starter BillTre
  • Start date
In summary, the Norse from Scandinavia colonized Greenland for economic purposes, particularly hunting and trading walrus ivory. However, the Little Ice Age and other factors such as overgrazing and food shortages caused their eventual decline and departure. Recent findings suggest that the Norse also relied on fish for sustenance and that their population may have been reduced due to conflict with natives or interbreeding. The Little Ice Age and a plague also contributed to their downfall.
  • #1
BillTre
Science Advisor
Gold Member
2,482
9,684
Not sure if this is the place for this interesting story, but it seems better than the alternatives.

Norse from Scandinavia colonized some sites in Greenland, but eventually went away.
Why has been a controversy.
New findings described in this short article reveal a more complex situation.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
It would appear that whatever the reason(s) the Norse had for colonizing or exploiting the resources of Greenland, the Little Ice Age seriously impacted the Norse ventures. Working out the stages in that decline might provide some insights for us today.
 
  • Like
Likes BillTre
  • #3
I have heard it is believed that they left after a sustainable supply of food for the population there exhausted.
Initially there was enough grazing land for animals, but it became overgrazed, and animals can't eat rock.
There still were fish of course, but not enough.
 
  • #4
The article talks about new findings showing indicating they got significant amounts of food from the sea (different isotope ratios), with some additional details.
Apparently, there was an economic reason for being there, to hunt and trade walrus ivory.
But it got colder and stormier...
 
  • #5
It looks as if most of the Norse that survived the harsher conditions emigrated. Having such a small population left, the rest were probably overwhelmed by conflict with the natives or may have interbred with them to survive. In addition to the Little Ice Age, there was also a plague during the time period. Not to mention nearby conflicts or attacks from arrivals.
 

1. What is the main theory behind the disappearance of the Norse in Greenland?

The main theory is that a combination of factors, including climate change, isolation, and a decline in trade, led to the decline and eventual disappearance of the Norse settlements in Greenland.

2. How did climate change impact the Norse settlements in Greenland?

The Little Ice Age, a period of colder temperatures, is thought to have greatly impacted the Norse settlements in Greenland. This caused a decrease in agriculture and hunting, making it difficult for the Norse to sustain their way of life.

3. Did the Norse face any other challenges besides climate change?

Yes, the Norse also faced challenges such as isolation and a decline in trade. The settlements in Greenland were cut off from their fellow Norse communities in Europe, making it difficult to access resources and trade goods. This isolation may have contributed to the decline of the settlements.

4. What evidence supports the theory of climate change as a factor in the disappearance of the Norse in Greenland?

Archaeological evidence, such as the discovery of abandoned farms and tools, suggests that the Norse settlements were in decline during the Little Ice Age. Additionally, studies of ice cores from Greenland's glaciers show a decrease in temperature during this time period.

5. Is there still a Norse presence in Greenland today?

No, the Norse settlements in Greenland eventually disappeared, and there is no direct line of descent from the Norse settlers to the present-day Inuit population of Greenland. However, some genetic evidence suggests that there may have been some intermingling between the Norse and the Inuit populations before the Norse settlements disappeared.

Similar threads

Mini road trip: Heritage USA (what's left of it)
    • General Discussion
Replies
0
Views
274
What was the top breakthrough of 2021 according to Science readers?
    • General Discussion
Replies
3
Views
787
Can Green Ammonia Be a Climate Fix?
    • Materials and Chemical Engineering
Replies
2
Views
1K
I've been feeling lost as of late.
    • General Discussion
Replies
6
Views
862
Other Name omitted from Professor's research paper- What should I do?
    • STEM Academic Advising
Replies
25
Views
2K
News Does 'pack journalism' shape the science news we read?
    • General Discussion
Replies
15
Views
2K
Medical Targeting microbial metabolites to treat autism
    • Biology and Medical
Replies
1
Views
822
I A Bold New Take on Quantum Theory
    • Quantum Interpretations and Foundations
Replies
25
Views
1K
I Think I Messed Up What Would You Do?
    • General Discussion
3
Replies
80
Views
10K
Further Geological Effects of Chicxulub Impact Found
    • Earth Sciences
Replies
2
Views
1K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top