Exploring the adventurous

world of The Vikings!

Viking Ships and Weapons

Viking Ships

1: The knarr was used for transporting goods for trade or settlement.

2: The knarr was also used by Vikings when settling in distant lands.

3: This type of ship had extensive storage space in the centre of the boat as well as beneath the deck.

4: The knarr primarily relied on a single sail as the primary source of power; oars weren’t as effective because of the weight of the ship.

The longboats were designed for raiding thus they were flexible, sleek and fast. The drekars were highly sophisticated and had a variety of features:

1: Deck. Deck was made of loose planks. Underneath the planks there was a storage area for food, oars and extras.

2: Steering. A large rudder hung over the side of the boat; this allowed the longboat to enter shallow water.

3: Sails. The drekars were propelled by oars and a single sail. A sail made of linen and wool was used, however the Vikings would row when near shore or if there was no wind.

4: Navigation. The Vikings navigated their boats by using the stars, sun, wind and landmarks. They were also able to determine their position by observing the migration of animals and the shapes of the waves.

5: Animal figure head. Both the prow and stern of the long-boats were decorated with carved animal and dragon heads. Such carvings frightened onlookers.

6: Size and crew. The drekars varied in size and crew numbers. The average was 25 metres long with 32 oars and roughly 50 men. Each member would store their personal items in a chest they sat on.

7: Hull and Keel. The hulls of the long-boars were made from planks of wood which were held by iron rivets, this stopped leakage. The keel was usually 17

metres long and 42 centimetres deep which provided steadiness and strength to the boat.

The Vikings had a highly advanced ship technology which enabled them to explore the world. The Vikings

were able to reach places as far as the Mediterranean coast and Asia. The Vikings first attack was

recorded in 793 in England. It is evident that the Vikings’ mastery of shipbuilding and navigation was

essential to their success as invaders and traders. The Vikings’ ship would ultimately become the

foundation of their power. There were 2 main types of Viking ships:

The knarr

(transport ship)

The dekar

(longboat)

SOURCE A

Viking Expansion

The shipwright who fashioned the

stem and stern of the vessel was

called Thorberg skafhogg; but

there were many other involved,

some to do the planking, some to

trim the wood, some to make

rivets, some to carry timber; and

all the materials used in the

construction were very carefully

chosen. The ship was both long

and broad and high-sided, and

stoutly timbered.

From Snorri Sturluson, Olaf, Rryggvason’s Saga

in Heimskringla. Snorri Sturluson (1179-1241)

was an Icelandic historian, Poet and politician.

Men will quake with terror

Ere the seventy sea-oars

Gain their well-earned rest

From the labourers of the ocean.

Norwegian arms are driving

This iron studded dragon

Down the storm tossed river,

Like an eagle with wings beating.

Snorri Sturluson, King Haralds Saga,

chapter 60

SOURCE B

SOURCE C

Activities

1. Refer to Source A and label the image of the longboat with the correct feature and

purpose.

2. Read Sources B and C. Which source do you think is the most reliable? Provide

reasons for your answer.

3. List the possible explanations regarding why Viking expansion occurred. Once

completed, discuss with the person next to you what you believe caused the Vikings

to expand. Is there one correct answer or is there perhaps a combination of factors?

The reason as to why the Vikings raided and pillaged other countries

is met with a variety of different perspectives. It is believed that trade

slowed down for the Vikings around the 790s thus the Vikings turned

to piracy to maintain their wealth. Other theories bring forth the idea

that the Viking population was growing too quickly hence the Vikings

decided to expand their territories. However it is also thought that

perhaps Viking trade was actually increasing too rapidly and the

Vikings needed colonies to keep up their trade. Another theory

suggests that due to the difficult winters that the Vikings were

constantly faced with, crops were hard to grow consequently

resulting in the Vikings raiding other countries to provide for their

families.

A. Feature:

Purpose:

B. Feature:

Purpose:

C. Feature:

Purpose:

D. Feature:

Purpose:

E. Feature:

Purpose:

F. Feature:

Purpose:

SOURCE D

1. Complete the following table.

Weapon Advantages Disadvantages

Shield

Axe

Spear

Viking weapons

and armour

Axe: Vikings mainly

used a one handed

axe; however there

were also two handed

axes.

Helmet: Helmets were

worn by Vikings. Metal

helmets were only worn

by the rich as they were

expensive. Most Vikings

wore helmets made of

leather.

Shield: Wooden shields

were mainly used as they

were cheap to make. The

circle shape made them

easy to carry. Warriors

needed to constantly move

the shield to protect

different parts of their

bodies.

Armour: Metal

armour on the body

was only worn by

wealthy and important

Vikings. Those who

could not afford it

wore leather instead.

Spears: The Spear was the

basic weapon carried by the

Viking. It was usually

thrown first in battle.

SOURCE E