2. Introduction Overview of the Norse (Vikings) way of life in Greenland
Reign of around 450 years, from 984 AD to the 1400’s
Most remote post in European society (1500 miles away from Norway)
Most richly documented pre-industrial collapse

4. Topics of Discussion Settlements North and South Climate Farming
Society
Hunting and fishing
Complex, delicate, interdependent way of life

5. Norse Greenland Settlements

8. Norse Greenland Settlements
Total settlement consisted of 5000
Western people (actually in North)
Eastern people (actually in South)

9. Climate Harsh environment
Mean summer temperature was 42 degrees Fahrenheit
Fluctuations from year to year had greatly affected life for the Norse

11. Climate Long winter- short growing season, supplies run short
Cold summer- fog, icebergs (no trade, bad growth)
Cold West Greenland Current on western side

14. Farming Livelihood pastoralism- growing domestic livestock
Cows, pigs, sheep, goats, horse
Norse moved higher in altitude during the summer to provide grazing for livestock
Sheep’s wool naturally waterproof due to the cold environment

15. Farming
Flax non-native medieval european crop- linen textiles, linseed oil
Shieldings- small farms at higher altitude
Keeping livestock alive was extremely difficult
Saved manure all winter- spread on fields for fertilizer

18. Sustenance
Most Norse never saw wheat, bread, or beer during entire lives
Main staple of diet- near 80% seafood (seal, but NO FISH)
Beef was consumed by wealthy (best farm plots)
Consumed bone marrow to utilize all nutritional resources

19. Society Communal (none could survive without the help of other Norse)
Violent
Hierarchal
Conservative
Eurocentric
Keep records in Latin and Old Norse

20. Hunting and Fishing Spring hunts focused on migratory seals
Caribou were hunted in the winter when they descended to lower elevations
Fish NOT consumed- less than 1% of diet

21. Imports and Exports Iron Lumber
Church paraphernalia- bells, communion wine, stained glass
Skins of goats
Seal skin, meat
Wool cloth naturally waterproof
Walrus tusks-ivory
Walrus hide-rope
Live/dead polar bears

22. Conclusion
The Norse Greenlanders were extremely resourceful and efficient people
Weather was a colossal factor in the lives of the Norse
Norse were a very conservative people

23. The Last of the Norse Greenlander Kin-Ragnar

24. Thank You
9/22/2018