Evidence of Environmental Change Events and Resulting Cultural Adaptations in the Archaeological Record of Iceland

Abstract

Evidence of environmental change events can be seen in the archaeological record of Iceland. How populations adapted to these events, depended much upon their wealth status and resource availability. A faunal assemblage from the site of Skálholt was analyzed, revealing a meat-based economy. Since Skálholt’s wealth status is unique in Iceland, it likely insulated the site from the negative impacts of the Little Ice Age. Comparative analysis with other sites across Iceland reveals different adaptation strategies, such as increased reliance on marine mammal hunting. Other environmental events like deforestation are also evident in the archaeological record of Iceland through palynological evidence.