How did Norse settlers make a living in medieval Greenland?

Medieval Norse settlers in Greenland established two primary colonies along the western coast, where they sustained themselves through a combination of agriculture and maritime activities.12

Their livelihood relied on:

• Animal Husbandry: Settlers engaged in cattle breeding on approximately 280 farms.12
• Hunting and Fishing: The population supplemented their diet and resources through fishing and sealing.1
• Trade: The most significant export for the Norse colonies was walrus tusks, which were highly valued in European markets.1

Due to the island's lack of essential resources like wood and iron, the settlers were heavily dependent on trade and communication with Europe to maintain their way of life. However, a cooling climate in the 14th century eventually hindered agricultural productivity and livestock breeding, contributing to the decline of these settlements by the 15th century.12