Routledge Norse Greenland: Viking Peasants in the Arctic Book

Explore the remarkable story of how a community of 2000 to 3000 Viking peasants survived in the harsh Arctic environment of Greenland for over 400 years. From approximately 985 to 1415, these settlers faced extreme ecological challenges while attempting to maintain European agricultural practices. This historical account examines how they adapted methods learned from the Atlantic and North Sea coasts of Norway to sustain life in a remote landscape. Norse Greenland served as a vital stepping stone for Europeans, leading to the first discovery of America and the brief settlement in Newfoundland around AD 1000. Despite its modest size, this community held global significance that changed the course of history. This book investigates the survival strategies of these settlers and examines the reasons behind their eventual disappearance from the Arctic region. It is an essential read for anyone interested in medieval European history and the expansion of Viking culture.