THE VIKINGS WHO VANISHED FROM GREENLAND
Southern Greenland is a landscape of narrow fjords, steep mountains, open water, exposed slopes and an immense inland ice sheet.
A farm could sit on a green patch that looked generous in summer while remaining surrounded by terrain that offered little room for error.
The settlers therefore had to think seasonally.
Summer was not simply a pleasant period; it was the season in which the next winter was prepared.
Hay had to be cut and dried.
Animals had to be assessed.
Buildings had to be repaired.