The mystery surrounding the disappearance of Greenland’s Vikings has intrigued historians and archaeologists for centuries.
The Norse settlers arrived in Greenland around 985 AD and established a thriving community that lasted for several hundred years. However, they suddenly vanished from history, leaving behind only ruins and unanswered questions.
According to newly discovered evidence, our understanding of how early settlers made a life on the island is being upended. The remnants of a Viking barn still stand at what had been the settlement of Gardar. The thick granite-block walls remain intact, as do the 20-foot-high gables. The wooden roof, rafters, and doors collapsed and rotted away long ago. Now sheep come and go at will, munching wild thyme where devout Norse Christian converts once knelt in prayer.
The fate of Greenland’s Vikings—who never numbered more than 2,500—has confounded generations of archaeologists. These seafaring warriors built manor houses and hundreds of farms; they imported stained glass; they raised sheep, goats, and cattle; they traded furs, walrus-tusk ivory, live polar bears, and other exotic arctic goods with Europe. They were truly pioneers living on the edge of the known world.
So what happened to them? The answer remains elusive. There are several theories that attempt to explain their disappearance. One theory suggests that sea-level rise likely contributed to their demise. Another theory points to a cooling climate, drought, disease, conflicts with the Inuit people, environmental degradation, and economic disruption. However, no one knows for certain what caused their ultimate downfall.
The decline of the Viking settlements in Greenland was also influenced by their reluctance to abandon farming despite the country’s inability to support long-term pastoralism. Although they adapted to incorporate marine resources, their shift was minimal compared to the Inuit people who harnessed these resources more effectively.
In conclusion, the fate of Greenland’s Vikings remains shrouded in mystery. While there are various theories about why they vanished from history, no single explanation has been proven beyond a doubt. The story of these early settlers serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by those who ventured into uncharted territories.