The Longship

What happened

The Vikings' defining tool was the ship. Their sleek, shallow-drafted longships, driven by both sail and oars, were fast enough for lightning raids yet seaworthy enough to cross open ocean or be rowed far up rivers. Clinker-built from overlapping planks, they became longer and more specialised as the Viking Age went on.

Why it matters

The longship gave Norse raiders and traders unmatched reach and mobility, and stands as one of the great technological achievements of the early medieval world.

Sources

• World History Encyclopedia. Viking Ships · Reputable source