Narssarssuk

Narssarssuk is an archaeological site located in southwestern Greenland, near the modern settlement of Narsaq. It is one of the most important and well-preserved Norse settlements from the period of Greenlandic colonization, dating primarily to the 14th and 15th centuries. The site was once part of the Eastern Settlement, the larger of the two main Norse colonies in Greenland.

Excavations at Narssarssuk have revealed extensive remains of a Norse farmstead, including a longhouse, byre, and other associated structures. The preservation of organic materials at the site has been exceptional due to the cold climate and peat layers, providing invaluable insights into Norse life in Greenland. Artifacts recovered include tools, household items, textiles, and even human remains, offering a detailed picture of the inhabitants' diet, activities, and social organization.

The study of Narssarssuk has contributed significantly to our understanding of the Norse economy, which was based on farming, hunting, and trade, particularly in walrus ivory and furs. The site also sheds light on the eventual decline and disappearance of the Norse presence in Greenland, with evidence suggesting a period of hardship and adaptation before abandonment. Narssarssuk remains a key location for researchers studying Norse Arctic colonization and the environmental and social factors that influenced its fate.