Viking Longships
Viking longships were remarkable vessels, designed for speed, agility, and versatility.
Here are some of their key features:
The hulls were made using the clinker method, where planks of wood were overlapped and nailed together, creating a strong yet flexible structure
Their shallow draft allowed them to navigate in waters as shallow as one meter, enabling beach landings and river travel
Longships could reach speeds up to 17 knots under favourable conditions, thanks to their streamlined shape and lightweight
They had symmetrical bows and sterns, allowing them to reverse direction without turning around
They combined rowing power with wind propulsion, using a single square sail and oars along the length of the ship for manoeuvring
Often, the ships featured skilfully carved animal heads, like dragons or snakes, at the front to intimidate enemies
These features made the Viking longships highly effective for their various activities, from exploration to warfare.
