4. The Greenland Vikings - Land of the Midnight Sun

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One of the most unlikely tales of a society’s fall is the incredible saga of the Vikings of Greenland. Find out how these European settlers built a society on the farthest edge of their world, and survived for centuries among some of the harshest conditions ever faced by man. Discover how this civilization was able to overcome the odds for so long, and examine the evidence about what happened to cause its final and mysterious collapse. Including Viking poetry, Inuit folktales and thousands upon thousands of walrus.
** Fall of Civilizations the book is now available to pre-order: linktr.ee/fallofcivilizations **
Credits:
Sound engineering by Thomas Ntinas
Voice Actors:
Jacob Rollinson
Jake Barrett-Mills
Sebastian Garbacz
Special thanks to Jordan Ashley Moore (Ancient Literature Dude) for his readings of Old Norse poetry.
Music by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)
Source: incompetech.com/music/royalty-fre…isrc=USUAN1100209
Artist: incompetech.com/
Title theme: Home At Last by John Bartmann. johnbartmann.com/

[@mattislindehag3065]

When Eric the Red named Greenland he was engaging in a proud human tradition that would be passed down through the centuries, eventually giving us what we call "clickbait" today.

[@TeamCat1128]

And propaganda!

[@georgekirby7150]

NOW YOU TELL ME?!?!??!?!? IVE BEEN LIVING IN GREENLAND NOW FOR 7 MONTHS!!!!

[@knallpistolen]

hehe , herlig :)

[@ceferinoericgarcia]

@@Yesica1993 ĺ

[@frankciccarelli4000]

A true visionary..

[@thorvaldurthorsson5652]

I am from Iceland and noticed that a lot of the pictures shown are in deed from Iceland. In Iceland we still speak the language the viking spoke when they were sailing to North America and Greenland. We can easily read the books and the books were all written in Iceland. We look at Eric the Red and Thorfinnur Karlsefni as Icelanders :) Thanks for this interesting passage

[@strikerzac]

@@paulstarr3749 he is saying that they still use the language from the Viking age. It is obvious that he is not going Viking nor that he is one. In fact Viking is seen as bad in this day and age.

[@cathalodiubhain5739]

@@strikerzac there's a;ways someone gotta try and start a little trouble in the comment section of youtube. they must be lonely and looking for attention. i wouldn't bother to take time out to entertain them

[@thorvaldurthorsson5652]

Of course we know we are not Vikings we are descendants of the Vikings. However we consider most of the Vikings who first vent to Greenland and North America as Icelanders. Most of them were born and raised in Iceland. Iceland did not belong to Norway at the time. That did not happen until about 150 years lager.

[@fujikookai]

that's amazing! thanks

[@mariepi]

Greenland is a very big island and there is land for "everyone": for this reason, and because of its history, Greenland should be divided into two countries, the country of the extreme south (where, for example, the church of Hvalsey is) should be in the future a Scandinavian territory, for example a province of Iceland in which its inhabitants have Icelandic nationality (and Danish, dual nationality), and the rest, for the most part, will be in the future an Eskimo country with its own government and Eskimo language

[@gud2go50]

I have trained in Greenland as U.S. Marine on 4 separate occasions. It is a beautiful and haunting place.

[@robertsolem9234]

yee-haw

[@andstr4150]

That is so badass. What were you doing there?

[@gud2go50]

@@andstr4150 We went there to test cold weather gear for the Marine Corps. We also trained in ice climbing, skiing with backpacks and sleds over long distances while navigating, then digging in and setting up defensive perimeters, building survival quinces (homemade snow caves), and living in them for a few days, shooting and maintaining firearms in extreme cold weather conditions. We also tested cold-weather tents and MREs as well using different test stoves and sleeping systems. The Marine Corps adopted many of the items we helped to test while there later on. It was really fun and a huge learning experience for us all. We used this training to teach Marines stateside what they needed to do when they went to Norway to train in their harsh environment. It was the fittest I have been in my life. Imagine getting up in the morning and getting on a treadmill all day long with a heavy pack and shotgun for polar bears while pulling a one-man sled? I must admit, at 62 years old, I am paying for it now. Back then, I was bulletproof. Lol!

[@Tina06019]

@@gud2go50 That sounds like a fantastic mission. I love the cold North and I (mostly) enjoyed my Army deployments as combat service support. I am a bit older than you, and look back with longing at the time when ‘my back was straight and my eye was keen.’

[@CertifiedFreshMemes]

​@@gud2go50that sounds like a really great experience. I'm very jealous

[@palmtreep5567]

The idea of being all alone on Greenland surrounded by dark ice and sea is truly horrifying.

[@jonathanflopstein8587]

If you haven't seen season 1 of The Terror I highly reccomend it. Similar scenario, though set much later in history

[@Amadeus8484]

The Polar Bears will keep you company lol

[@CarShopping101]

@@jonathanflopstein8587 The Terror Season 1 was a great show

[@mommom5988]

@@Amadeus8484 I'm lonely enough here in NJ!!! I'd never make it there!!!! But---my son lives in Alaska, and I've been there three times in Sept. and really like it there! Don't think I could take winter, though!

[@Destroyer120296]

Yeah this episode has a sense of dread the others dont have imo Here you are baiscally abandon on the edge of the known world

[@khan2890]

this is the kind of documentary and talent that should be shown on the History channel, not the garbage that's show all day and night

[@hwplugburz]

Amen!

[@kathleencook8131]

Unfortunately, "we" are taught to dumb down by popular media. Lowest common denominator sensationalism.😭🤢😞

[@modatron]

i remember pre-2000 there used to be some actual documentaries on the history channel. ever since the first season of Survivor things went downhill. i stopped watching cable about a decade ago

[@notbobrosss3670]

Truer words have never been spoken. They should give up the title history channel all together.

[@Truthasvictim]

Why it's even called the History channel anymore is beyond me.

[@thomaswhite935]

This is ten times better than modern American TV

[@Mossyz.]

Yank TV sux ..... !!

[@Bix12]

I gave away all of TV's 4 years ago, and have not regretted it once. You ought to try it

[@429np]

@@Bix12 Yep, all my TV's quit for one reason or another and I've had no real inclination to do anything about it.

[@brianthesnail2460]

Your lucky you don’t have to suffer b b c propaganda🇬🇧

[@name_less7687]

@@Bix12 You're on KZbin... Making up for the missing TV... I'm casting KZbin too my 55" 4k smart TV while using my phone as a remote. Enjoy staring at your phone in the dark.

[@kickflare]

I'm a massive documentary buff [i binge watch a lot of documentaries, especially whilst i'm crocheting] and this is By far, the best series of documentaries, I've seen to date! Please keep up the great work and i look forward to seeing more of your content!

[@mulapare2593]

Seems you are marriage material!...😛

[@joriskemper5392]

@@mulapare2593 And seems like you... are not.

[@mulapare2593]

@@joriskemper5392 No, i ain't!😜 I just wanna have fun!

[@delviento325]

totally agree

[@withnail70]

Me too, except for the crocheting.

[@Dj-pi5fm]

Mr Cooper, started watching this noon and still watching. I will watch them all because I have to. These are very enjoyable, your voice, research and attention to detail and feeling. Ive lived in Greenland, Newfoundland, Alaska and several very cold places and now for 23 yrs in Montana in the Rockies. These places are truly very soulful places and wild as they are quietly inspirational. I do write, and these series are a great escape from my focus to sweep me away and travel back in time like I love to do on the map. Wonderful work. Thank you.

[@LoriPark1111]

Great comment! 😁🙏

[@KD-up7if]

Content: 10 Narration: 10 Images: 10 Sound and Music: 10 Well done presentation..

[@sgdeluxedoc]

Actually, "sound and music" 20 - because I kept hearing, in my head, Zep's "Immigrant Song" through the whole episode. Since I actually *live* in the land of "Ice and snow", I know only too well what it's all about.. (honestly, I have to say it's much better now that I live by the seashore..) Incidentally… I would like to take the opportunity to point out that our host here is one exceptional storyteller… which is, I suppose, what you’d expect from a history professor.. OK, I’m just guessing, but I’ve taken enough history classes to recognize a teach when I see one.. So, if I’m wrong just bite me ;-)

[@deltadesign5697]

@@LukaVulic I noticed the same thing.

[@maryellenboynton5345]

Delta Design lll ppl

[@peekaboo4390]

Facts... 3

[@jayt9882]

@@LukaVulic How do you know they didn't back then?

[@davidpieper95]

This was a masterpiece. I literary spent the rest of the day after finishing this just thinking about it. At the end I generally wanted to applaud the story telling here. Nothing short of amazing.

[@cliftons6811]

Skiumah there bud

[@willek1335]

For people who liked it, I suggest listening to the vinland saga. There's a 20min audiobook here on KZbin.

[@jul382]

Agreed, well put.

[@Byronic19134]

Well don't discover the History Time or Voices of The Past channels unless you have alot more free time to think

[@dhirendrabahadurbista]

I do not believe it.from Kathmandu.

[@Adrock4444]

From a Canadian with Norwegian and Native ancestry, thank you for this great documentary

[@Livender]

Well you check a couple boxes here :D

[@aellaruna8587]

I really don't understand what the 984 people could have disliked about this video, so they felt like marking the "thumb down"? I watched it twice in a row, and it made me travel to those faraway times and lands. It is a highly professional and captivating documentary, thank you for all the work on it @Fall of Civilizations.

[@perrystuart8035]

Probably dont like this version of history. As history isnt a sure thing with many things left out, many speculated on, and many times just outright lies, im sure there are some that go around downvoting everything they dont agree with lol.

[@PureVikingPowers]

To much flaws in this video. Not even 6 minutes in to the video and he's wrong already on something as basic as anyone over 10 years old should know. When talking about Norsemen he said they're from Norway & Denmark? You forgot Sweden that had the biggest Viking culture out of all the 3 countries. Sweden has 2,500 runestone's while Denmark has 250 and Norway have 50.

[@janpersson9818]

@@PureVikingPowers I was under the impression Swedish vikings mostly went east, as far as to the black sea. And as a Swede myself @Van Brighouse I didn't spend one thought about Sweden not being mentioned.

[@janpersson9818]

@Van Brighouse I have some understanding about the Maya one having some down votes. There is quite a lot of footage of snakes in that one, being one of the more common phobias. If it was spiders, I myself would have down voted it and stopped watching despite otherwise finding the content fantastic.

[@usewhatyouhave6975]

Yeah dido gives you a real feel for the history

[@conorsheehan9929]

I am from Limerick in Ireland . Limerick was founded in 922ad by a Norwegian Viking named Thormador Helgasson . He led an immense war fleet with around five thousand warriors .The Vikings ruled Limerick and it’s surroundings for about 50 years until the native Irish under king Brian Boru defeated them . There are still signs and Viking names here .

[@TRUTHRULES777]

So many places in Scotland, Ireland, England France and more very connected to the Norse Like William the conquer. The list goes on. For us Americans were really a mix because we have to ask our parents and then when we take a DNA test sometimes it’s a little bit different but for mine my parents were pretty spot on. I have to say.

[@Johnny-Thunder]

Looking at the map of Ireland one can see that all major cities are located near the sea or at inlets with access to the sea: it's because cities in Ireland were founded by the Norsemen at the places where they went ashore. In England meanwhile cities can be found landinward away from the sea, as those are founded by the Romans.

[@larkatmic]

I’m of Irish decent and we trace our ancestors to Limerick. My family on my mothers side including myself have very blond hair. People mistaken us to be Norwegian or Swedish. I assumed their was a Viking connection, but never gave it much thought. Then I read your comment. Thank you.

[@TRUTHRULES777]

Well, in my 23andMe, I am related to a Scandinavian woman who they thought was a man for years was buried with many things in her grave? Probably like swords and stuff I think is what they said. That would be me that would be my ancestor, because I am mellow, but I am strong in both my parents are Scandinavian. I said we were French but the French isn’t really showing now... It’s just mostly like western Russia a little bit but mostly Scandinavian and Italian from all places in Italy that’s about it oh Czechoslovakian a little bit and again, western Russia, and southern European a tiny bit that explains it pretty well

[@dineshothamkumar]

Brian Boru must have been a great warrior.

[@tyraeast]

intelligent, thought provoking, nuanced non-dogmatic documentary. Absolutely top quality

[@ronnborg]

Tack för en mycket informativ historisk film om våra förfäder vikingar🙏❤️ /Björn Kungsbacka 🇸🇪

[@MrSladej]

Thank you to the Vikings for giving me an other wise clear and concise English and Irish DNA. I’m 3 percent of you guys in all the wrong areas. Seriously, land of fire and ice in my pants.

[@oscar_eslava_]

It's inevitable that in a show named "Fall of civilizations" I always end with this melancholy in my spirit. But it's a so sweet melancholy - and so a first class lesson in History that I can't stop loving your work. Congrats on the quality of your work, Paul.

[@starspike509]

"so sweet melancholy" How lovely ! Very poetic.😊

[@trumpetmano]

I think I am one of many who have found this channel and are now thoroughly hooked.... You are an excellent story teller.

[@FallofCivilizations]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@jorgepechcasanova2147]

I'm feeling so moved by this beautiful documentary... I had always wanted to watch something like this about the lost Norsemen of Greenland. Thanks a lot. Outstanding work.

[@FallofCivilizations]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Whatisthetruth711]

My Uncle ran the Air Base at Sonder Strom Fjord in the 60's and 70's. On the West coast. You should do a history of the Danes in Greenland. My Cousin Lars Malmquist in Denmark could help you.

[@mikenewton2026]

,. L

[@Thesortvokter]

They were down in the Great Lakes, maybe furthur!!

[@bjorn200654]

@@Thesortvokter How do you know

[@tesscot]

I love how he explains all possible theories and discusses the evidence for each.

[@MiaGiselleful]

I love your documentaries so much Paul! My all time favourite ones are the Aztec and Sumerian doco’s you did. I’ve listened and watched them both multiple times. Now I love this Viking one too. Thank you 🙏😊

[@FallofCivilizations]

Glad you like them!

[@chad3385]

@@FallofCivilizations could I kindly ask what painter you mentioned about the Frost Fairs. It sounded like Peter Broyhill. But I can't find anything connected to that name. I'm sorry to take your time, but your videos inspire so much curiosity in me that I spend hours going down rabbit holes on the information I don't know.

[@geoexplorer9989]

@chad Pieter Bruegel

[@dancambra713]

What a phenomenal story. Told with poetic grace and such beautiful photography. Art, science and history! This is whole language education at the very best.

[@churchviewwishart8873]

Nicely put!

[@quartino_]

This channel is like what the History channel was/should be. Thank you for doing what you do.

[@mumblez22]

Both sides of my family are Scandinavian and came by way of Nova Scotia into Maine and to Massachusetts at different times. I am 40 and my mother is just now telling me about my families histories!

[@rdleahey]

It needs to be said: your narration is equaled by few and surpassed by none. Awesome!

[@normanvanrooy3113]

I love your work Paul. Your style is so refreshing, thoughtful and poetic. You take me on a journey of imagination rooted in reality and remind me how fragile life is and how we humans try to adapt but may not always succeed. The timing of these with the plague we now endure is truly fantastic...like a seal of approval from our ancestors who suffered before us. Great work. And thank you.

[@dvonpache]

Plague?

[@The1DUIGuy]

@@dvonpache - *But for advances in science and understanding of viruses… (and despite efforts of the assertively ignorant vocal minority and humanity’s ever-present comically religious prayer warriors).

[@geothermal]

@@dvonpache 5.82 million covid deaths so far = plague = pandemic.

[@astrialindah2773]

@@geothermal if you believe anything that MSM tells you you're already lost..

[@geothermal]

@@astrialindah2773 What is MSM?

[@ElizabethAyotte]

Time Stamps Please feel free to add other important moments below if I've missed anything! Thank you Paul for such beautiful work! 0:00 The Discovery of the Red Haired Man 3:15 Introduction and Welcome 4:46 The First Europeans in North America 7:08 Sources of Information - Epic Poems 8:30 Iceland 10:19 Erik “The Red” Thorvaldsson 14:45 Eyiolf the Foul and Erik’s Banishment 17:04 Greenland’s Landscape 19:15 The Settlement of Greenland 23:37 Lik-Lodin 25:45 Life in Greenland 27:18 The Walrus Ivory Trade 30:11 The Cathedral and Barn at Eystribyggð 31:50 Asmund Kastranrassi’s Ship 33:11 The Indigenous People of Greenland “Skraelings” 40:17 Leif Erikson and North America 46:26 L’Anse Aux Meadows 48:34 The Mysterious End of Vestribyggð 51:50 The Little Ice Age 56:50 Resisting Adaptation 59:50 Farming and Resource Management 1:03:21 The Dissolution of European Trade Lines and The Bubonic Plague 1:08:57 The Last Written Record in Greenland at Hvalsey Church 1:13:33 An Alternative Theory 1:18:42 The Voluspa and Final Words

[@mcpsychendork6079]

Thank you! 🙏♥️

[@elizabethannegrey6285]

What an excellent series!! I am astounded at the hardihood of these settlers. To withstand such temperatures and harsh conditions is truly heroic. I find the aerial shots of the ocean just mesmerising - the wave action, the heaving of the sea and foam coming into the shoreline is like a living canvass. These productions are truly first class, educational, beautifully narrated and absorbing. Thank you.

[@thornyback]

I am astonished still today that my ancestors survived in these conditions in the Westfjords of Iceland. All so I could live in warmth and prosperity and order pizza.

[@imogens7281]

I am astounded that I have only just learnt the word "hardihood". Thank you!

[@tylerjeb7888]

@@thornyback One things for sure. We can all agree it's a real blessing those treacherous wagon burners got falcon punched back to the Pleistocene so we can enjoy the fruits of our great American nations. Incredible!

[@eyesup9542]

What she said ❤

[@pappelg2639]

Yes, it worked out a lot better when the spanish, british and french empires came ;)@@tylerjeb7888

[@JayRob31145]

This episode is simply the very best of the best, in in-depth research, writing, visuals, narrative, presentation and more. And this one--especially to us of Northern European ancestry--really spoke to me. All of Paul's "Fall of Civilizations" documentaries are the finest that KZbin (or any other venue) has to offer, right across the spectrum of history. Gotta keep this going. I'm going to head off to Patreon now.

[@redere4777]

When you die but no one notices until the tax collector starts knocking on your door. 49:04

[@hollyw9566]

Ha, I thought of that too!

[@anydaynow01]

Or when you skip town because the neighborhood is going down hill! I'm still of the opinion that they abandoned those animals they couldn't take with them and tried to sail for Canada when the saw the western settlement was declining and native attacks may have become more frequent.

[@legalvampire8136]

It has been said that nothing is certain except death and taxes

[@Warmaka]

In the distant grim dark past of the second millennium, there are only tax collectors.

[@CKing-388]

anydaynow I think they left and didn’t make it to their destination. Or, they did make it to Canada, and the natives killed them there. The Eskimos could have killed them in Greenland and threw them all out in the sea ... 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@Dstew57A]

One of the best documentaries i have ever watched

[@laughingdovefarm3311]

YES !

[@mattwkendall]

💯

[@stardresser1]

I NEVER fail to be absolutely amazed by the your high level of production value and beauty of presentation in every one of your episodes. It is just amazing, and puts the major "documentary" sources to shame. I mean, you are basically explaining huge swathes of human history to us, in fascinating, understandable and beautiful ways. It just blows my mind. Thank you so so much. I don't know how you do it, but I am so so grateful.

[@FallofCivilizations]

Thanks my friend, very kind of you.

[@paddygora8413]

Absolutely captivating. How tough humanity was.

[@danielmalloy6093]

And the truth shall set you free. This subject matter has filled a void, that most of us never learned in school. Great work.

[@scottnance2200]

I've studied this subject a fair amount, and these seem the most reasonable conclusions to me. Well done!

[@zacdemelo8949]

Ĺ

[@zacdemelo8949]

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[@zacdemelo8949]

Ĺlpp

[@zacdemelo8949]

Ppp

[@christianeholl6075]

Tears in my eyes...and what a voice, reading the Ragnaröck at the end..what wonderful Story telling and beautiful images once again, thank you so much Paul Cooper

[@MrGreyGh0st]

This is by far the best documentary on Vikings of Greenland love this!

[@hybridwolf66]

Being of Norse descent, this was absolutely fascinating. My family was able to trace our roots back to the 1700s. Unfortunately before that, the records become rare so we are unable to go back farther. Thanks for this!

[@kilipaki87oritahiti]

Lol you mean Scandinavian? No one says Norse decent, unless you go back in time😝

[@hybridwolf66]

@@kilipaki87oritahiti NO! I mean NORSE ! We have traced our lineages to the NORSE. But yeah you know my ancestry better than my relatives that WENT OVER and searched the records. Now go back to mom's basement.

[@blablablayahoo]

@@hybridwolf66 There is no "norse" in the 1700's. In Sweden there are church records of every person from the 1600's onwards, don't know about Norweigian or Danish records.

[@Osvath97]

​@@hybridwolf66 It is quite simply. In English, "Norse" refers to the ancestral ethnicity of the Scandinavians. This term stops being used when the subject is post-Viking Age. After that it is called Scandinavian (not to be confused entirely with the geographical region of Scandinavia, it is a bit complex). In most North Germanic languages we still use those terms even when the subject is modern, such as "nordbo", "nordman" et cetera, but in English there is quite a sharp distinction. It is quite likely that your ancestors were Norse since the Nordic has been quite homogonous. It is likely, but it is not guaranteed. You can certainly not say that you can TRACE your lineage back to the Norse while also saying that you can only trace it back to the 1700s - about 700 years after the Viking Age ended - that would literally be illogical given the above premises. To put it in to perspective, it is sort of like saying that one can trace their lineage to the Romans just because they can trace it back to Italy in the 1100s (all though it is not a perfect comparison due to many complex reasons, it still shows what I am talking about). Telling people to go back to their mother's basement just because you yourself happen to be uninformed about the history of the region in question is not entirely appropriate.

[@garygone5234]

What an Excellent documentary! This guy really does his research. I learned so much from this that I feel a bit foolish for thinking that I knew a lot about the Vikings already. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@tzmythos]

Although I find every episode of your work deeply moving, I was, for some reason, even more moved by this episode. How I love your series! What a gift you give us. Thank you.

[@justinhova4900]

This series is extraordinary. A profound gift for narrative, expansive research and a beautiful eye for detail. thank you.

[@imanueltheodorwillburger-w1063]

I already watched some of his documentations, and I am VERY impressed! So much extra info, I NEVER heard before about these topics. So well explained, no hectic video effects, calm education. - BRAVO! Hopefully more to come!

[@mp5856a]

The visuals really are well done; I was worried these would detract from the excellent content but you’ve struck a good balance, finding visuals that help set the scene but don’t over do it or make it cartoonish.

[@FallofCivilizations]

Thank you, I'm glad you think so! You're right it can be a tough balance.

[@justpettet3506]

anything this guy does is gold have faith hahha

[@SofaKingShit]

I thought that l had actually managed to find something to criticise, but it turned out to be a smudge on my screen so yeah it seems that these docs are in fact perfect. Little details like the view from the top of clouds during a thunderstorm. The stomach churning whirlpool and it's symbolism. Wow.

[@poutinedream5066]

@@FallofCivilizations I could have done without the blowfly close up 🤣🤣🤣🤮

[@adriaanswart7829]

This storytelling is absolutely amazing! I feel as if I'm travelling with these Norsemen of old, as if I'm on the boat with them! Vikings Forever!

[@Moto_Medics]

That intro music and the beauty following are the only things that can wipe anxiety from my mind right now.

[@madmanandyc]

Indeed, it always gives a cognitive boost when you realise your own problems are but a grain of sand in the vast ocean that is history.

[@georgefernandez7558]

I've started with the Sumer one, just because I have a particular interest on that civilisation (I read History Starts in Sumer when I was about 10), and I'm now going through the whole series. I find very interesting that I feel I'm learning history with these videos, as opposed to most other documentaries I've watched. Great work.

[@anetajohnson8446]

Being of Norwegan Heratage, i really appreciated this video.Excellent photography, and voice narration. This should be part of the National Geographic Society! or part of PBS.

[@FallofCivilizations]

Thank you Aneta, very kind!

[@10laws2liveby]

I thank you once again for a well-formed presentation. I so appreciate your efforts to pass-on your knowledge, you make learning enjoyable..

[@charlescoryn9614]

Superior documentary film....... Everything, narration, camera...... I can't praise this film enough. Also no distracting overbearing music in the background...... And how fortunate, to be filming the Northern Lights, which I had seen only a few times in the past. Excellent!! Superb!!

[@modatron]

when i was a little kid, looking at maps and learning geography, i always wondered how Greenland got it's name. on a world map it looks all white with ice, while Iceland has bits of green vegetation. now at 33 i finally i know why! thanks!

[@MastemaJack]

Did you not watch the Mighty Ducks Movies!?

[@uhuraenterprise6372]

Same here😄

[@Nierez]

Seriously I often wondered if it was green and lush in some ancient times.

[@MTB_Skier]

Now, in our days, the doomsday for the human being will occure before Greenland is green again..... Ask the prophet Thunberg or the elders among the living of the tribe, Gore. Norseman

[@Thesortvokter]

The difference is, they learnt to lie to their benefit. "Oh yes, there are palaces of crystal there. Yes, all the food you want. Sure, no worries, you don't even have to try to grow anything, it's all green already..."

[@SuperDave-vj9en]

You ,sir, have produced the best and most knowledgeable documentaries on the Vikings yet to be seen. The keen attention to details is second to none. Thank you!

[@throow]

In Denmark we still use the world "Skrælling" and it means a veak person and "Lief" is pronounced life and not leaf. Thank you for your great, detailed, documentaries.

[@TheAtheist22]

Please keep making documentaries of this quality. We'll all support you. Absolute quality.

[@swiftxt]

I've binge watched the whole series and it's the best thing I've seen in years. The writing is amazing.

[@Judy1Mac]

Lovwd this as my Mom's family came to Canada from Iceland. A history lesson for me . thank you

[@legalvampire8136]

It could be that others had made the same journey as your mother's family, via Greenland, centuries before.

[@vonniebristow]

Judy MacGibbon you should have your dna checked.

[@nomadbynature8811]

I fell asleep listening to this and had the coolest dream.

[@scottschoenick9944]

Paul, congratulations on having mastered your craft. Compelling, informative, entertaining, thought-provoking, calming... I can't wait to watch the next episode and, yet, I don't, because I don't want it to end. Thank you!

[@susanbloor8541]

I’ve relished every episode, but the camerawork alone renders this a piece of art. When added to the erudite and knowledgeable commentary and the stunning renditions of literature .. one of the best documentaries I have seen. In a genre of its own. Making lockdown into a bit of a treat while your film is running.

[@cliff567]

I thank you as a 68 year old history buff, I only yesterday found #8; Thank you for your efforts. This needs to be common knowledge.

[@withnail70]

Refreshing to hear something so well written and clearly read. Paul's voice sings the poetry of disaster, painting the story in such detail, but at just the right distance to relay whole chapters of civilisation. The balance of research into primary and secondary sources, culture and environment, should remind the BBC of where they've recently lost their way. Paul never refers to himself. Watch and learn, BBC.

[@conner4991]

This video came into my dream while I was sleeping. Hella crazy. I’m glad I came back to what I watched over the night. Because I just knew my dream was about this video

[@paulnewsham8210]

Mr. Cooper, you are an awesome man. Greetings from Mexico, I love classical history, and your episodes are brilliant. I'm now 34 and can't afford a degree. But I should have studied history. You make my biggest regret in life seem not so bad. If I ever meet you, tacos are on me.

[@FallofCivilizations]

Thank you, very kind of you. So glad you've been enjoying - and it's never too late!

[@paulnewsham8210]

@@FallofCivilizations no, it's not too late. Just too expensive hahaha! No relation to Dr. Jago Cooper, are you?

[@vonniebristow]

Paul newsham Mr. Newsham, it’s not too late to get your degree. I went back at age 30 and finished at 35. Why continue to regret it? When I was in college, I turtored a man who was 58, my current age, and I’m considering a career change in order to keep working until age 72 when I can draw my full retirement.

[@paulnewsham8210]

Thanks! I never expected to receive such enthusiastic responses. I live in Mexico and don't speak Spanish very well, so the open university is my only option. And I have a child due next April, so any funds I have have had thier priority shifted. Maybe later in life. I'll sacrifice my own education for my children's, everyday.

[@PJAndersson733]

Never too late Mr. Newsham! You could apply for a grant! 34 is young!

[@mettejakobsen7017]

Being Danish, this has been a very interesting podcast. Brilliant job done.

[@Whatisthetruth711]

Agreed

[@DK640OBrianYT]

Agreed (enig). We haven't heard anything this comprehensive or informative before.

[@ravenknight4876]

And if you weren't danish this would have bored you out of your mind ?

[@rondaerickson6159]

My paternal grandfather was born on the Westman Islands of Iceland, so I am the second generation born in the United States on that particular branch of the family tree. Recently my daughter and grand daughter had their DNA tested to see which parts of their ancestry were the most prevalent. I expected the Icelandic DNA to be strong, but the second most dominant was Eskimo. Imagine my surprise.

[@druthomson3688]

Interesting. Just wondering if the DNA lab report you received actually used the word "Eskimo". There is no culture which calls itself Eskimo; it is a European name for all of the indigenous people in North America and Greenland, and is not a name which any of these people wish to be called. I would hope that DNA labs are sensitive to this issue.

[@bluegent7]

@druthomson3688 1) Words similar to Eskimo was used by neighbouring tribes, as is generally confirmed by recent academic sources. It's unlikely it had European roots. 2) Let us accept that different languages have different words for the same phenomena respectively. For example, the Serbian capital is Belgrade in English and similarly in a few other languages, while it is Beograd in Serbian. Other examples demonstrate words that are mutually unrecognizable, like Suomi and Finland, the same country but in Finnish and Swedish respectively. 3) Let us not be so incredibly sensitive over things of very minor importance, whether it be over what other languages name us, or, even more so: let us not be sensitive on other peoples behalf as if we patronise over a helpless child like some pretentious custodians. If they ask for it, teach them to take care of themselves and let them do it like the dignified, independent, adult, fellow human beings they are, or, at least, should be.

[@ogrehaslayers605]

That Inuit spear thrower was a boss! I say this as a proud descendant of Vikings.

[@antebellumstage]

This is a really moving piece of history, especially for me as a west coast Norwegian with close ties to the sea. I have always wondered what happend to the Greenland colony, and now i finally know. Thank you. My personal theory is a mix of several of the paths you mentioned: most i believe immigrated back to Iceland/Norway, but only the ones who had enough wealth to get their hands on a trusty ship to take on the journey, and others (probably the elders) stayed true too their Norse European culture & ways of living till their deaths, while others took upon the Inuit life of living, The possibility of them migrating to Vinland couldn't have been on any large scale, if that would have been the case we would have discovered some archaeological evidence of this. perhaps a small fleet of the "Frankenstein" ships set sail for Vinland, knowing that they wouldn't make it all the way to Norwegian territory, but at least a chance heading westwards. But again, that's just my theory, Thank you sooooo much for making this, something really different from my usual historical knowledge.

[@petergomez6991]

I think they moved in with native Americans maybe in Vinland. There have been rumors of blue eyed natives

[@losusmil]

Im in my 2 week break from my summer quarter of my MA program and I just found this channel yesterday; I have to say I am glad I did! This was my third episode already and this is the type of documentary that I love! So well done and put together! Beats the History channel any day! Also, I have noticed, at least in the last three episodes, that the change in climate has played a major role in the fall of these great civilizations-I guess I may just be pointing out the obvious.

[@The1DUIGuy]

Only obvious to those willing to look. Sadly.

[@KP-vg3zn]

Everything about this documentary is perfect. I was captivated the whole time. 👏

[@Thesortvokter]

Except for Ingstads intonation, he sounds like C.G. Jung FFS!!!

[@jasondrewry2182]

It’s a rare thing to find a narrative-style doc of this quality. His episode on Sumer is breathtaking

[@529wes]

The Inuit also state that the Eastern Settlement was attacked by what could have been pirates at the end. In fact Iceland was virtually besieged by English pirates in the 15th century so what was left of the great families of Iceland brought in Hanseatic pirates to defend the sovereignty of Iceland. The Greenland settlement was occasionally visited by Bristol merchants late in the colony's history. Steady Inuit incursion was probably also a major factor in the Greenland Norse demise...they were better adapted to that environment and they had the advantage of superior mobility... they could hit and run relatively isolated Norse farms with impunity. The Western settlement was actually fairly important to the overall colony's survival because it was the best jumping off place for N. America and also because area north of it were the best hunting and fishing grounds in Greenland. It's loss in the 1380's was critical. Apparently the Inuit also swept down the western side of the Davis strait either absorbing the Dorset Eskimo or displacing them in about the same time frame as they migrated down the western side of Greenland. When the Norwegian or Icelander mentioned at the beginning of the episode showed up in the 1500's the Inuit were in complete control of the western shore of Greenland. Pretty balanced attempt at history and at least it was skeptical of the conclusion that the colony failed because the Medieval Norse were "dumb".

[@timdarville4827]

The 15th Century? Nah - not as early as that, surely.

[@heidimisfeldt5685]

@@timdarville4827 Why not ?? People traveled throughout the oceans every once in a while. So did the Chinese and also the Egyptians. Read a book called KON TIKI. That actually is proof based on ancient records, a modern day adventurer builds a vessel as would have been thousands of years ago, and crosses the Atlantic ocean, without modern day fancy gadgets. Records exist as well of Chinese ancient comerce with peoples across oceans. Actually there is a tribe of natives on the Pacific coast of the USA, that had a tradition of a shipwreck of Chinese near their area, and how they included them among their own people. Much later the remains of that shipwreck was discovered at the beach, barried in sand. DNA test also confirmed some Chinese among the tribes ancestors. Next read the Book of Mormon, an ancient account of immigrants long before Christ coming to this continent as they flee from Jurusalem. That same book also tells us about the Jaredites, who came at the time of the tower of Babel, and whose language had not been confused. That last mentioned book is available for free, from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

[@glencrs]

@@timdarville4827 Hi Tim, I am a retired college professor of Archaeology and Ancient History. For the past 20 years much study has been accomplished on the tremendous scale of trading up & down the rivers that empty into the Gulf of Mexico. That period of time, 700 - 1200 ad. Oklahoma has the most rune stones in all of North America. 2 important runes: 1. Heavner Rune - date of pre-800 because of the ancient alphabet used. 2. Kensington Rune - mid 1300 date. The Phoenicians were here about 100 ad.

[@shanghunter7697]

Maybe it IS you, who is "dumb". Anyone who just assumes ANYTHING IS dumb. No one can argue this fact. Never assume anything in life.

[@alchemist6098]

Shang Hunter, please don’t name call or disparage fellow posters. There is enough of that on social media. I hoped this series of videos would be an oasis of civility and thoughtful debate.

[@EdinburghFive]

The ship shown at about the 22 minute mark is a longship whereas the Norse sailing to Greenland likely used knarrs. The knarr was better suited for long ocean voyages and could carry greater tonnage.

[@macmiddlebrooks1]

The most compelling and moving series I've ever seen.

[@daleboissonneault2869]

An excellent historical documentary. I am reminded of "Westviking: The ancient Norse in Greenland and North America", published in '65 by Farley Mowat. Read this book in 1975, and was surprised that an author known for novels would have undertake and written such an academic work. I hear many of his hypothesis and conclusions supported by this documentary. Keep up the excellent work! Thank You!

[@dougstyles5091]

I fell asleep listening to a D Day documentary and woke up to this playing 7 hrs later. Now I know what I'll be watching later! 👍👍👍

[@peterthomas4647]

Me, similar - Ha ! the perils of life in the Age of The 'Rona.

[@carolv8450]

Doug styles me too, how does that happen?

[@dougstyles5091]

@@carolv8450 Idk brother. I put my phone in my top drawer on the bed stand so it doesn't fall

[@roberymcgoff1904]

Best documentary I've seen in a long time. Just got done reading a book on the Vikings didn't cover a third of what I just heard. 10 out of 10. Cheers

[@UsernamerAlreadyTakn]

Read the book called "Collapse." It talks about this and even goes into more detail on certain areas

[@farmor1023]

My country of birth Sweden also had a large Population of Vikings. The sailed east to Russia and to Turkey. The Vikings such clever navigators. Thank you for an interesting video😊

[@abigaileggleston9108]

I'm ashamed to say that your deeply fascinating documentary series has given me a rich understanding of the rise of many ancient civilisations. And almost no knowledge of what brought about their downfall. I will endeavour to re-watch them all during the day, so your honeyed voice does not lull me into a deep sleep 😊

[@tamipalin8171]

I just discovered this channel today and I am HOOKED!!! Incredibly well done and very interesting! Thank you.

[@najeama]

I've watched listened to all of the podcasts, for some reason this is my favorite. It's so beautifully done and so interesting. Hope all who enjoy these amazing works support Mr. Coopers efforts.

[@fionagibson7529]

I love these not only because they are incredibly interesting and evocative, but also because I get little random facts to share with my family. The “Greenland’s name is a PR stunt” one is one of my favorites.

[@saoirsearcher1242]

I can watch these over, and over, and over again and I always learn something new or hear something differently. Wonderful! Thank you!

[@cynthiawest4500]

Beautifully done. I am home recuperating from cancer treatment. This was so well done. Thank you.

[@FallofCivilizations]

All the best for the recovery, Cynthia!

[@PJAndersson733]

Hope you’re doing better & continue to heal!

[@divatheologica5135]

Thank you so much for this. As someone with Scandinavian heritage and from Newfoundland, we know about the Vikings and L’Anse aux Meadows but rarely do we get such in-depth teaching about these interesting people. If you look at the Beothuck people of Newfoundland it is clear that there was definitely some Viking intermingling!

[@waynegeizer7874]

I had thought that they were all wiped out on the island. Am i wrong in this? or was there a second infux from the mainland?

[@crystalhilliard9656]

I'm stunned! This is by far one of the BEST I have ever watched, even more so than any famous outlets from any country. At first I didn't think I would like it, I "assumed" it would be misleading, poorly done, thrown together...Boy was I sooo wrong! Paul, you and your team outdone yourselves. You should be so proud! I can't voice how well I loved this! Now I guess I am going to have to binge watch , and see what other work you guys do lol. You officially have a stalker of your work! (snickers). 5 out of 5 stars!

[@rickrobitaille8809]

Awesome again...I can feel the cold going through my bones as I wake thinking..where's my next meal coming from there's only 6 of us left to find it❄

[@wizzardofpaws2420]

I so love your Channel. It's better than reading a book I get lost in your story and feel like I'm living it.

[@zatzuji8468]

Very interesting documentary, very well made aswell! Thank you. I wonder if the legends of white giants told by some Native tribes of America could be the decendants of the migrated Vikings from Greenland.

[@christerhartman7176]

Those legends are much older.

[@willek1335]

@@christerhartman7176 How can you tell?

[@davesky538]

All fantastic. Am son of Henry William Barnard of Orkney Scott/Norse heritage and me mum American Indian Mandan Dakota. Me Da knew much of what your lecture encompasses. I loved his oral history that he told me sitting on his lap as a wee one! Thank you for filling out the details!

[@bennettbullock9690]

I love the Viking power poses.

[@superkittyshow1782]

Binge watching thru all episodes from 1st. I only stumbled on this channel today and already 4 series done. I cant stop watching!

[@margaretwarden7997]

I am lucky enough to have visited Greenland , Iceland , Norway, and Svalbard. This programme has made me even more grateful, and more aware of the links . I am Irish and know I have a history which links ..... I dont know quite how or when . Thank you for this illumination , and the memory jog !!

[@FallofCivilizations]

Lovely to hear, thank you!

[@MNewsTime]

This is my second sitting (in full) watching this. I still do not understand how anybody could dislike this amazing video, unless that person works for the history channel.

[@imogens7281]

Just wanted to thank you so much for this. Not just the content, but this format. I struggle with podcasts, my eyes want something to do so I end up staring at something and thinking about that instead of listening 🙄 But this documentary style has enough relevant images (some mini Ken Burns vibes which do not hurt at all) etc to stop my wandering gaze and just let me enjoy. It must be a lot of work to go from audio only to this, and I appreciate it so much. Thank you thank you thank you!

[@BIZARBIES]

So I really like the upgrades to these... the videos are a nice touch to the already great story.

[@FallofCivilizations]

Thank you, I'm glad you think so!

[@simonlloyd-dickinson6184]

What a fantastic series! It brings together historical fact and legend in a way which is both informative and enchanting. Thankyou!

[@culturaysociedad976]

Su trabajo es la mejor universidad que se puede encontrar en internet, estoy infinitamente agradecida por este trabajo tan profesional!!!!

[@irazu2008]

High quality videos. Very informative and presented in a way that for non-historians is easy to follow.

[@franksbecker]

Just outstanding …. every aspect of it: Presentation text, voice, visuals and historical content!

[@loiswilson3381]

Outstanding presentation of these ancient people! The raging sea, the fall of some civilizations! I admire the pioneers and their vision! I could never ever begin to start such an adventure! Thank You for your research and endless efforts to help us understand the ancient years! Lois

[@mattcolumbia7948]

48:17 "Their links back to Europe.." Shows video of a lynx. Nice.

[@rickshaw296]

Hi, I just wanted to let you know I enormously enjoyed this video. The images perfectly lined up with the narrative and this is a topic I knew almost nothing about, and find extremely interesting. Please keep up the good work!

[@FallofCivilizations]

Thank you, very kind of you!

[@rickshaw296]

@@FallofCivilizations Would you do one about the settlers in Russian America? Or the Ainu people in Japan?