Norse Greenland

Norse Greenland was a colony in Arctic and Greenland (North America) that lasted from c. 985 to 1450 CE, about 465 years. Its people spoke Germanic languages (Gothic, Frankish, English, German, Dutch, Norse).

Icelandic farmers led by Erik the Red founded the Eastern and Western Settlements, at their peak about 2,000 people. They accepted Norwegian rule in 1261 and the last record dates from 1408.

See Norse Greenland on the interactive timeline

Facts

Dates: c. 985 to 1450 CE
Duration: 465 years
Type: Colony
Region: Arctic and Greenland, North America
Language family: Germanic
Capital: Gardar (Igaliku)

Became

Danish Greenland 1721 to 1979 CE

Events in North America during its time

985 Erik the Red settles Greenland
1000 Norse reach Vinland
1050 Cahokia grows into a city
1276 The Great Drought

Neighbours in North America

Vinland (L'Anse aux Meadows) c. 1000 to 1020 CE

Elsewhere in the world at the same time

Republic of Venice c. 697 to 1797 CE, Europe
Byzantine Empire 395 to 1453 CE, Europe
Byzantine Empire 395 to 1453 CE, Middle East
Swahili city-states c. 800 to 1700 CE, Central and Southern Africa
Ghana Empire (Wagadu) c. 300 to 1200 CE, North and West Africa
Holy Roman Empire 962 to 1806 CE, Europe
Srivijaya c. 650 to 1377 CE, Southeast Asia
Ethiopian Empire (Solomonic dynasty) 1270 to 1974 CE, North and West Africa
Khmer Empire 802 to 1431 CE, Southeast Asia
Ottoman Empire 1299 to 1922 CE, Europe

Questions

When did Norse Greenland exist?

c. 985 to 1450 CE, about 465 years. These dates are approximate, because the evidence for its beginning or end is uncertain.

Where was Norse Greenland?

Arctic and Greenland, in North America. Its capital was Gardar (Igaliku).

What language did Norse Greenland speak?

Germanic. This family includes Gothic, Frankish, English, German, Dutch, Norse.

What came after Norse Greenland?

Danish Greenland.