The 'Vikings' were Scandinavian seafaring raiders and traders. From 700 AD to 1100 AD, the Viking Age was in full swing.
The mariners from Norway, Denmark, Finland, and Sweden were dubbed "Vikings." Many Vikings traveled to other countries during the Viking era, including Britain and Ireland. They either became farmers and craftsmen in these new regions, or they went to fight and seek gold.
What information do we have about the Vikings?
Archaeologists have examined the ruins of Viking farms, villages, and towns to piece together a picture of Viking life. Because some important Vikings were buried with their things, graves have provided us with a wealth of information about the Viking way of life. Several sunken or buried ships have been discovered, which have aided in our understanding of ancient maritime technology.
What kind of Viking ships did they have?
From modest fishing boats and ferries to their legendary longships, the Vikings built a wide range of vessels. They were all built out of oak planks that were overlapped and nailed together. The ships were made watertight by filling the gaps between the planks with tar or tallow mixed with wool, moss, or animal hair. The ships were all of the same length and width, with shallow drafts. They might therefore be used in shallow water.
Longships were employed by Vikings to raid and transport their men. The prow (front) of the ship was frequently adorned with a carving of an animal head - a dragon or a snake, for example.
Cargo ships were used to transport commercial products and personal effects. They were wider than longships and moved at a slower pace. Only the ends of the ship's planked deck were laid, leaving space in the middle for cargo.
What was the speed of the Viking ships?
The ships were propelled by oars or the wind, and carried a single huge, square sail woven of wool. The wool was crisscrossed with leather strips to preserve its shape while wet. Oars were also used in Viking ships. The ship was navigated with a steering oar or steerboard. It was secured to the stern of the ship on the right side.
What was it like for Vikings to live at sea?
On these ships, there was no protection. Vikings might be able to drag them up on land at night. They'd lower the sail and stretch it across the ship to create a sleeping tent. On the other hand, people could pitch woollen tents on the beach. If the crew was far out at sea, they would sleep on the deck under animal skin covers.
Meat or fish that had been dried or salted would have been provided as food. It could only be prepared if the crew could land. They'd drink sour milk, beer, or water.
Because of the hardships of life on board, particularly in strong seas, Vikings avoided sailing in the winter and instead waited until spring.
How did the Vikings find their way around?
Maps were not used by the Vikings. They had a variety of methods for determining where they were and which direction to proceed in. They looked at the sun and the stars to see where they were. They observed the color of the sea, the movement of the waves, and the direction of the wind. They were on the lookout for birds and could smell them if they were close to land. Although it's improbable that they utilized a compass, some Vikings may have employed a device called a sun-shadow board to aid navigation.
Where did the Vikings go on their journey?
To trade, Viking traders sailed along the coasts of Europe. They were able to meet traders from Arab and Eastern countries by sailing south via the lakes and rivers of Russia and Germany. When looking for new countries to inhabit, the Vikings traveled to Iceland, Greenland, Canada, and North America.
What kind of things did they exchange?
Walrus ivory, whalebone, and the furs and skins of animals such as fox, bear, beaver, and otter were among the Vikings' exports from Scandinavia. They also sold amber, which is a fossilized resin that can be cut and polished into beads, pendants, and brooches. All of these natural resources were exchanged for goods in various countries.
The Vikings came to Britain in search of food, wool, honey, and tin. They imported French salt and wine, as well as Italian glass. This glass was frequently recycled and transformed into necklace beads. Merchants from the east were able to give the Vikings with commodities such as silk, silver, and spices by traveling down Russian rivers.
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Viking Ship Ornament - Viking Christmas Gift
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