The Mysterious Graves of Greenland

Greenland has been in the spotlight for many years. While tourists visit each year to explore this remote corner of the world but there is some fascinating history and mystery surrounding certain situations such as the mysterious graves of Greenland. 

You do not expect to visit an ancient graveyard full of bodies and pieces of skull in many cases. However, if you were to take interest in the Greenland mummies, you are bound to begin your own quest to unwrap the mystery. You can also learn the history of Famadihana dancing with the dead here. 

 

Greenland’s Thule Influence

Greenland’s Thule Influence

Even though Greenland is considered the northernmost region of the world, the history of it being inhabited dates back to 2000 BC. At the time, since Greenland was a mix of wildlife and glaciers, you would imagine that the people living there would probably be the most hardworking and determined people on the planet. Not to mention adventurous and heroic as well. 

Historians also believe that atleast six cultures have passed through northern Greenland, leaving a trail of mysteries. The people of Greenland were thought to arrive from the Norse to Thule. However, the reason behind their disappearance is still not known. At the same time, it was thought that these people had a huge influence on the culture of Greenland and whose mummies and skulls have been discovered in the graveyards. 

Researchers believe that the mummies found at Uummannaq were atleast centuries-old and provide a hint of the Thule culture. Plus, they were the last people to inhabit Greenland. Once they passed away, no one inhabited Greenland. Meanwhile, for more historical trivia, we also invite you to read our article about the interesting history of Teotihuacán

Thule History in Greenland

Thule History in Greenland

Evidence suggests that the Thule culture was a major part of Greenland at one point in time. The archeological sites such as the Deltaterrasserne and Qoornoq feature the ruins of ancient Inuit buildings. Skulls were found not far from the Greeland mummies lying amidst the scattered rocks near the beach. And although the mysterious graves of Greenland are one of the most fascinating phenomena in the world but no one as of yet has been able to solve the mystery. 

The historical sites combined with the mummies and skulls have enabled the researchers to dig deep into the lives of the first inhabitants. Until now, a plethora of information has been collected but researchers are looking for more proofs to ensure their facts are as straight as possible. 

Greenland Mummies

Greenland Mummies

In 1972, the mysterious graves of the Greenland area were found by two hunters when they discovered eight mummies, six women, and two children. Even today, the remains are termed as the best-preserved remains ever found in North America. And since the mummies were so well-preserved, the researchers did not have to cut into the remains or remove the clothes of the women and children. 

The discovery led to the researchers finding tattoos on the faces and foreheads of the women but their cause of death is even more fascinating. Since mystery surrounds the death of Greenland mummies but researchers have been able to find out the potential cause in the case of these three deaths. 

It is said that one of the children might have died due to Calve-Perthes disease, which might have spread amongst others or led to other deadly diseases. Additionally, one of the women was found to have a tumor at the base of her skull, explaining the cause of death. And one child, seemingly only six months old was buried alive. 

According to the Inuit custom at the time, if a woman was not found to a nurse, it was decided to suffocate or bury the child alive so that the mother could look after it in the afterlife.

Final Word

While visiting Greeland, there is no shortage of mysteries or puzzles that surround Greenland. While the mummies have been removed from the site and shifted to the Nuuk museum, historians and researchers are still working to unravel what caused the disappearance of the Greenland people.