Disko Bay

From Freepedia

Although currently an Arctic vacation locale, Disko Bay (69 N 52W, which puts it above the Arctic Circle) has been an important piece of real estate for centuries. Disko Bay was discovered by Europeans after Erik the Red started a settlement in 986 C.E. on the more inhabitable western coast of Greenland. The two settlements, called the Eastern and Western Settlement (even though their locations were southern and western) were sustenance economies that survived on animal husbandry. Soon after the Western settlement was established the Norsemen traveled up the coast during the summer thaw. It was this exploration that led them to the discovery of Disko Bay. The special interest in this bay was due to its rich sources of walruses for ivory, seals for their pelts, and whales for a variety of materials. These products became the main exports and source of income for the Greenlandic settlers who traded with Iceland, England/Scotland/Ireland/Wales, and mainland Europe. It is important because without its resources the settlements might not have lasted as long as they did. It is uncertain when the Inuit (Eskimos) first started venturing into Disko Bay, and Norse accounts have the area uninhabited when they first explored. Further, Norse accounts document an eventual trade arrangement with the Inuit who came from the north and west. For a time both parties made peaceful use of the bay. Later accounts report fighting and massacres on both sides. However the Norse left the Greenlandic settlements mainly due to the Little Ice Age that started in the 15th century. There was such a massive shift of tempature that Disko Bay became inaccessible in the warmer summer months. This destoryed the livelihood of the Greenlandic Norse. Even the Eastern settlement, which was below the Arctic Cirlce became too cold for inhabitation. After this time until the return of Europeans in the 18th century the Inuit controlled the Disko Bay area.

Sources

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