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Adaptability is one of the main requirements for survival in cold, polar and sub-polar regions. Archaeological research in Greenland reveals that lack of adaptation was probably the main cause for the decadence and eventual disappearance of Viking colonies that had flourished in the region for centuries before.

Excavations at a place called Herjolfsnes brought to light interesting evidence in this regard: at numerous Viking graves found in the area, many clothes left as part of burial rites were perfectly conserved thanks to the pervasive permafrost existent in the area.

The graves corresponding to the fourteenth and fifteenth century show a declining number of settlers, as well as the fact that these followed pretty closely the fashion and customs of continental Europe.

Quite common were - for example - hoods made of wool, similar to those found in the mainland, with forms particularly elongated and exaggerated. The Norse were not just sailors or warriors, but many of them spent their lives working with agriculture and cattle in their farms, and by that time, the climate in Greenland began to change.

Average temperatures reached new lows and naturally, all activities related to agriculture - the mainstay of their economy - suffered.

But what is more peculiar is that at the contemporary Qialkitsoq Inuit settlement, the bodies found buried were wrapped in thick furs and good winter clothes.

This shows that the Inuit people began to adapt to the new climate; they took note of climate change and acted accordingly, while the Norse or Viking did not and soon nothing was left of their colonies.

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