Kujataa

Kujataa is a cultural landscape located in southern Greenland. It represents the Norse settlement of the area by Erik the Red and his followers in the late 10th century. The name Kujataa means "that which faces south" in the Greenlandic language. This UNESCO World Heritage site encompasses several distinct Norse settlements, including the Eastern Settlement (Erik's former home), the Western Settlement, and the Middle Settlement. It also includes the Inuit settlement of Qassiarsuk, which demonstrates the interaction and eventual coexistence between Norse settlers and the indigenous Inuit population.

The landscape is characterized by a unique agricultural system adapted to the subarctic environment. Norse settlers developed a method of terracing and reclaiming land to cultivate grasses for their livestock, primarily sheep and cattle. The ruins of farmsteads, churches, and chapels provide evidence of their way of life, including their farming practices, social structures, and religious beliefs. The preservation of these ruins is remarkable, offering a tangible link to one of the most northerly agricultural settlements in history.

Kujataa is significant not only for its Norse heritage but also for its demonstration of human adaptation to extreme environments and the cultural exchange that occurred between different peoples. The site highlights the successful establishment and maintenance of a European-style agricultural society far from its European origins for several centuries. The landscape includes features like stone walls, animal pens, and dwelling foundations, all contributing to a comprehensive understanding of this historical period.