Clues to the mystery of why Viking colonies in Greenland thrived and disappeared have been found in the DNA of medieval walrus bones housed in more than a dozen European museums.
On Greenland, they had elaborate stone churches with bronze bells and stained glass, a monastery, and their own bishop. Their colonies at one time supported more than 2000 people. And then they vanished.
Researchers Europe who took samples from medieval walrus skulls in museums, reported in a study in Proceedings of the Royal Society B, the fate of the outposts might’ve been tied to the demand for walrus ivory among rich Europeans.
The Vikings' descendants thrived on a lucrative trade in walrus tusks, which were sold to Europe's elite and carved into luxury items, such as ivory crucifixes, knife handles, and fancy dice and chess sets.