Collapse of Viking Civilization in Greenland

Angela

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See:
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/science...g-walruses.html?ito=social-twitter_mailonline

It was because they hunted the walruses to extinction.

"Norsemen in exile from Iceland sailed to the shores of Greenland in the 10th century and survived thanks to the ivory of a unique species of walrus on the island. The precious material was traded throughout Europe in exchange for wood and iron and it allowed the Vikings to thrive in their desolate home. "

DIversity, Diversify.

But just as swiftly as they arrived at the distant island in the Atlantic ocean, all signs of their occupation vanished in the 15th century.
Experts now believe that their penchant for hunting walruses was ultimately their downfall as they forced the species to extinction, destroying their source of income.
 
See:
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/science...g-walruses.html?ito=social-twitter_mailonline

It was because they hunted the walruses to extinction.

"Norsemen in exile from Iceland sailed to the shores of Greenland in the 10th century and survived thanks to the ivory of a unique species of walrus on the island. The precious material was traded throughout Europe in exchange for wood and iron and it allowed the Vikings to thrive in their desolate home. "

DIversity, Diversify.

But just as swiftly as they arrived at the distant island in the Atlantic ocean, all signs of their occupation vanished in the 15th century.
Experts now believe that their penchant for hunting walruses was ultimately their downfall as they forced the species to extinction, destroying their source of income.

maybe, it was also the end of the medieval climate optimum and the beginning of the little ice age
 
maybe, it was also the end of the medieval climate optimum and the beginning of the little ice age

Yes, more sensible that it was a combination of factors.
 
at this stage, the Inuit replaced the Paleo-Eskimos in NE Canada and the Vikings in Greenland
the Inuit hunted big sea mammals
I wonder whether the Vikings hunted the walrus themselves or got the ivory through trade?
the Vikings raised sheep in the Greenland fjords
 

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