Viking ships were versatile and used for fishing, trading, and warfare. They were primarily made of oak and had a shallow draft. The ships were often adorned with dragon figureheads, and evidence suggests the Vikings may have reached North America before Columbus. Their ships were powerful and deadly weapons in war, and their legacy lives on as one of the greatest shipbuilding societies in history.
Viking ships reflect the typical design of Norse ships during the Viking Age, which lasted from the late 8th century to the mid-11th century. Wooden ships could be adapted for many purposes, from fishing to cargo transportation to warfare. The Vikings were legendary sailors and warriors, who used their amazing ships to fuel their ambitious civilization.
Wooden Viking ships were built primarily from local species of oak, mighty trees that grew in abundance throughout Scandinavia. The ships were built using superimposed boards on a solid keel, which allows greater safety and resistance in the construction. Although there were several types of ships, most had a shallow and wide draft. Written accounts from the time suggest that Viking ships were primarily under sail and featured a square sail, probably made of wool.
One of the best-known symbols of a Viking ship is the carved figurehead that is believed to adorn the prows of Viking warships. These figureheads were designed to resemble dragons or serpents, and are mentioned in various written accounts of the Viking Age. It is not known why these ships featured such decorative figureheads; Experts suggest it could have been to scare victims, ward off sea monsters, or serve as a ritual symbol of strength. Despite finding little physical evidence of dragon ships, the image of an invading Viking fleet led by terrifying dragon figureheads is a persistent concept throughout history.
While many Viking ships were used for everyday jobs such as fishing or local trade, more powerful vessels were built for crossing great distances. Although not known for certain, much evidence suggests that the Vikings may have crossed the Atlantic and reached North America five hundred years before Christopher Columbus. Artifacts found throughout Newfoundland indicate a Norse design, including lamps, ship parts, and spindles.
Using a replica knarr, or Viking trading ship, author W. Hodding Carter attempted to recreate the voyage from Greenland to Canada in 2000. After a failed attempt, Carter and his crew managed to successfully complete the voyage despite considerable obstacles. . Carter’s voyage, as well as subsequent long-distance voyages made more recently in replica ships, show that the travel power of Viking ships was incredible for its time, far exceeding that of any contemporary ship.
In war, Viking ships were terrible and deadly weapons. Naval battles between warring tribes often involved joining the ships to allow for closer combat, although spears were also used for ranged combat. On land, Viking ships facilitated raids on cities and castles near the sea. Raiding was a constant feature of Viking society and fueled their reputation as deadly and ruthless warriors. Until they were defeated by the Saxons in 1066, the Vikings featured superior technology, weapons, and strategies.
Though long lost after the war with the Saxons, the legacy of the Vikings lives on throughout the world. With their ships, they crossed the oceans, created amazingly detailed coastal maps, and opened trade routes that other people could not conquer. Due to the power and versatility of the Viking ships, the ancient civilization entered history as arguably the greatest shipbuilding society in human history.
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