Viking ship is a collective term for ships used during the Viking Age (793–1066) in Northern Europe. They often had a dragon head or other circular object protruding from the front and back, for design.
Viking ships were known for being able to navigate rivers and shoals which other navy's ships could not negotiate. They were also able to handle rough seas, such as the North Atlantic Ocean. They ranged in the Baltic Sea and far from the Scandinavian home areas, to Iceland, Greenland, Newfoundland, the Mediterranean, and Africa.
The ships are normally divided into classes based on size and function
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Knarr
The knarr is the German term for ships that were built for Atlantic voyages. They were cargo ships with a length of about 54 feet (21m), a beam of 15 feet (4.5m), and a hull capable of carrying up to 24 tons.[1] Knarrs routinely crossed the North Atlantic centuries ago carrying livestock and stores to Greenland. The vessel also influenced the design of the cog, used in the Baltic Sea by the Hanseatic League.
Smaller vessels
Karves were a type of small Viking ship similar to the Knarr. They were used for human and transport and the movement of livestock and other goods. Because they were able to navigate in very shallow water, they were also used for coasting. Karves had broad beams of approximately 17 feet (5 meters).
Viking symbol
Viking vessels were called “Dragon Ships” because a ceremonial decoration in the shape of a dragon's head was placed on the bow of the ship. The particular design, shape and decoration of the dragon's head also was symbolic of the leader of the group or crew. They symbolized the Viking force and power because the Vikings were great raiders. The ships were quite fast (7-12 knots speed) and extremely stable in the rough seas off Scandinavia and the North Atlantic. The Vikings were feared among many civilizations in ancient Europe and the dragon figureheads depicted their strength and brutality as well as their fearlessness.
Because Viking's were very supersticous the heads on their dragon ships were used to ward off sea monsters and spirits. On land the heads could be removed so they do not ward off friendly land spirits.
Construction technique
Viking ships varied from others of the period, being generally more seaworthy and lighter. This was achieved through use of clinker or lapstrake construction.
The planks from which Viking vessels were constructed were rived (split) from large, old-growth trees—especially oaks. A ship's hull could be as thin as one inch (2.5 CM), as a split plank is stronger than a sawed plank found in later craft.
Working up from a stout oaken keel, the shipwrights would rivet the planks together using wrought iron rivets and roves. Ribs maintained the shape of the hull sides, but were not intended to provide strength to the hull. Each tier of planks overlapped the one below, and waterproof caulking was used between planks to create a strong but supple hull.
Remarkably large vessels could be constructed using traditional clinker construction. Dragon-ships carrying 100 warriors were not uncommon.
Preserved ships
Only a few Viking ships have been excavated and preserved, the most famous of these are:
- The Gokstad ship
- The Oseberg ship
- The Tune ship
- The Skuldelev ships
See also
External links
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Viking ships |
- Recreating a Viking voyage - BBC
- The Vikingship Museum in Roskilde, Denmark
- Web page about the Gokstad ship excavation
- The Oslo Viking Ship Museum
- Gaia, the Gokstad Ship copy
- Munin, a Gokstad replica in Vancouver, BC
- Comparison between Viking and Egyptian Ships
- Dreknor Project, Normandy
- Leif Ericson Viking Ship LEVS is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit educational organization dedicated to the study, education and promotion of the fact that Leif Ericson was the first European to set foot upon and explore the North American Continent and of Vikings in general, their times and travels throughout the world.
- Rebuilding and sailing a Viking Knarr ship
- History of vikings
- Francis Miltoun: Ships & shipping, London, Alexander Moring Ltd., 1903
- The Mariner's Museum: Age of exploration
References
- ^ Peter Sawyer, (1997) The Oxford Illustrated history of the Vikings. Oxford University Press ISBN 978-0-19-285434-6 ISBN 0-19-285434-8
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