The present occurrence of anthropochorous earthworm (Lumbricidae) species was used to trace former human settlements in the Faroe Islands. Densities of earthworms were higher in infields (both extant and abandoned) than in outfields and in infields densities were higher among houses (house remains in abandoned settlements) than in the hayfields. Also in shielings (abandoned at different times from the Viking age until the medieval age), densities were higher than in the surrounding outfields. Deep burrowing species (* 2Allolobophora rosea*1 and <i>Lumbricus terrestris</i>) were found both in shieling soils and around abandoned house remains (both in infields and outfields). Other anthropochorous species that occur mainly in the topsoil were found in present infields, in abandoned settlements and in shielings (* 2Lumbricus castaneus*1 and <i>Octolasium lacteum</i>). Both <i>L. castaneus</i> and * 2O. lacteum*1 were found in sites visibly indistinguishable from the surrounding outfields, but where shielings were said to have existed. Those two species do not occur in the outfields. We discuss the process of colonization of anthropochorous species during establishment of settlements and the subsequent extinction of those species when settlements are abandoned. Apparently, certain species maintain their foothold in enriched soils for considerable times after abandonment and can be used to trace former human occupations. -- AATA