Eastern Settlement

Definition

The Eastern Settlement refers to the Norse colonies established in Greenland during the 10th and 11th centuries, particularly around present-day southern Greenland. This settlement played a crucial role in the Norse exploration and adaptation to new environments, as well as their interactions with indigenous peoples and the wider Atlantic world.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Eastern Settlement was primarily founded by Erik the Red, who named Greenland in an attempt to attract settlers by portraying it as a lush and fertile land.
2. At its peak, the Eastern Settlement may have housed up to 3,000 inhabitants, creating farms, churches, and trading posts within the challenging Arctic environment.
3. The settlers relied on agriculture, hunting, and fishing, adapting their Norse practices to the new landscape, which included a mix of livestock farming and foraging.
4. Contact between the Norse settlers and indigenous Thule people was limited but marked by occasional trade and cultural exchanges.
5. The Eastern Settlement began to decline in the late 14th century due to a combination of factors, including climate change (the onset of the Little Ice Age), resource depletion, and possible conflicts with indigenous groups.

Review Questions

• How did the environmental challenges of Greenland influence the daily lives and agricultural practices of the Eastern Settlement's inhabitants?
  • The harsh Arctic climate and limited growing season in Greenland significantly influenced the daily lives of the Eastern Settlement's inhabitants. They adapted their agricultural practices by focusing on hardy crops suitable for cooler climates while also relying on livestock like sheep. The settlers learned to forage for wild resources such as berries and game, which allowed them to supplement their diets while grappling with the challenges posed by their new environment.
• Discuss the relationship between the Norse settlers of the Eastern Settlement and the Thule culture they encountered. What were some implications of this interaction?
  • The relationship between the Norse settlers of the Eastern Settlement and the Thule culture was complex and characterized by limited contact. While there were instances of trade and mutual curiosity, tensions could arise due to competition for resources. This interaction highlighted differing lifestyles and adaptation strategies, as the Norse relied on European agricultural methods while the Thule utilized hunting and gathering techniques suited to their Arctic environment. The implications included cultural exchanges that could influence both societies, but ultimately a divergence in adaptation methods leading to distinct survival strategies.
• Evaluate the factors that led to the decline of the Eastern Settlement. How did these factors interact with broader historical trends during this period?
  • The decline of the Eastern Settlement was influenced by several interrelated factors, including environmental changes like the Little Ice Age, which made farming increasingly difficult. Resource depletion due to over-farming also played a role as settlers struggled to sustain their population. Additionally, conflicts with indigenous groups may have further strained their resources. These local challenges reflect broader historical trends of climate variability affecting human societies during this period, showcasing how environmental conditions can drastically impact settlement viability and lead to shifts in population dynamics.

Related terms

Norse: The Scandinavian peoples known for their seafaring skills, exploration, and settlement throughout Europe and the North Atlantic during the Viking Age.

Vinland: A name given to a region in North America, believed to be part of modern-day Newfoundland, where Norse explorers established a temporary settlement around the year 1000.

Thule Culture: An indigenous Arctic culture that thrived in Greenland and parts of North America, which the Norse encountered during their eastern settlements.