Classroom Resources  
Student Article

Who Really Owns Greenland? A Land of Ice, Vikings, and Global Power Plays

By: James Osborne
Originally Published in  HistoryExtra

Greenland’s icy landscape has long captured the attention of explorers, settlers, and superpowers — from Viking raiders to Cold War strategists.

The article "Who Really Owns Greenland? A Land of Ice, Vikings, and Global Power Plays" from BBC's HistoryExtra explores Greenland’s long and complex history of ownership. It traces the island’s journey from early Inuit inhabitants to Viking explorers, Danish missionaries, and Cold War military bases — highlighting how Greenland has become a key player in global politics.
Student Article Info

BBC's HistoryExtra is devoted to both British and world history and aimed at readers of all levels of knowledge and interest. Learn more about subscriptions here.

Grades:
Topic:
Close-up of a map of Greenland
© Getty

Most passages are available in three different versions: Level 1 (Grade 3-5), Level 2 (Grade 6-8), and Level 3 (Grade 9-12). Some more complex texts are available only in Level 2 and Level 3. Use the versions that are most appropriate for the students in your class.

Note: The BBC Learning Hub Editorial Team made use of AI tools to create multiple versions of this article, each tailored to different student reading levels. Every version undergoes a thorough review by our BBC Learning editors to ensure accuracy, quality, and appropriateness.

2
Level 2 Reading Passage
Grades: 6-8Lexile Level: 800-1000L
Preview
3
Level 3 Reading Passage
Grades: 9-12Lexile Level: 1000-1300L
Preview
Share: