Eystribyggð

Eystribyggð, also known as the Eastern Settlement, was the largest and most northerly of the three Norse settlements established in Greenland. Founded by Erik the Red around 985 AD, it was situated on the southwestern coast of Greenland, primarily in the fjords around modern-day Qaqortoq and Nanortalik. This settlement thrived for several centuries, supporting a population that likely numbered in the thousands at its peak.

The economy of Eystribyggð was based on a combination of animal husbandry and hunting. Norse settlers raised livestock such as sheep, cattle, and goats, and supplemented their diet through hunting seals, caribou, and other game. The export of valuable goods, particularly walrus ivory, hides, and furs, played a crucial role in their trade with Europe. Archaeological evidence, including ruins of farms, churches, and the famous Gardar Cathedral at Igaliku, points to a relatively sophisticated society with organized settlements and a strong connection to Christianity.

The reasons for the eventual decline and disappearance of Eystribyggð, along with the other Norse settlements in Greenland, remain a subject of scholarly debate. Proposed factors include a combination of climate change leading to colder conditions and resource scarcity, the Black Death impacting trade and communication with Europe, and potential conflicts with the indigenous Inuit populations who were migrating into the area. By the mid-15th century, the Norse presence in Greenland had effectively ceased.