Collapse of the Greenland Viking Settlements

The Vikings arrived in Greenland from Iceland in 980 A.D. By 1000 A.D. around 5,000 spate lived there in small farming communities. For several centuries the Viking refining in Greenland maintained close ties to their European brethren through trade. that after 450 years several events led to the collapse of the Greenland Viking refining. The break down contact the Greenlander Vikings had with other Europeans was in 1406. Archeological evidence suggests that by 1435 all or nearly all of the Vikings had disappeared from Greenland. What happened? How could a civilization last for more than 450 years and, then, suddenly disappear?

The dependency story: According to Icelandic Sagas (oral or written histories) Eric the blushful dance bandtled Greenland when he was banished from Iceland for killing several people. After exploring the island for tierce years Eric returned to Iceland calling his finding Greenland and boasting of its abundant resources: farmland, newly water and animal life. Attracted to the many possibilities, many from Icelandic Vikings migrated to Greenland. Upon their arrival, the Vikings set evidence of human inhabitants, the Dorset people. Later the Vikings came into contact with the Inuit who were migrating across the polar following prey animals.





Contrary to popular belief, the Vikings were principally farmers and traders. Greenlanders set up farms, raised cattle and sheep, fished and hunted. They traded Arctic furs and ivory with Iceland and Scandinavia for requisite items lacking in Greenlands harsh climate, such as large trees for roof beams and boat building, iron for weapons and tools, and cultural artifacts for the church.

The Vikings primarily settled in two areas on the western shore of Greenland, known confusingly as Eastern Settlement (near the tip) and westward Settlement (approximately 300 miles north). The Western Settlement supported by chance 4,000 inhabitants spread out in small farms. The smaller Eastern...If you command to get a full essay, order it on our website: Orderessay



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