Viking ship

A modern version of a Viking ship.

Viking ship is a collective term for ships used during the Viking Age (793–1066) in Northern Europe. They might have had a dragon's head or other circular object protruding from the bow and stern, for design, although this is only inferred from historical sources. Scandinavian tradition of shipbuilding during the Viking Age was characterized by slender and flexible boats, with symmetrical ends with true keel. They were clinker built, which is the overlapping of planks riveted together.

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.

Contents

Knarr

The knarr is the Norse 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] Overall displacement: 50 tons. Knarrs routinely crossed the North Atlantic centuries ago carrying livestock and stores to Greenland. It was capable of sailing 75 miles within in one day and held a crew of about 20-30. This type of ship was used for longer voyages than the Gokstad type of ship and also hazardous trips. It is also shorter and sturdier than the Gokstad. It depended mostly on sail-power and used its oars only as auxiliaries if there was no wind on the open water. 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,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).

Dragon head from Oseberg ship.

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 . The ships were quite fast (7-12 knots speed) and extremely stable in the rough seas off Scandinavia and the North Atlantic.

Because Vikings were very superstitious, the heads on their dragon ships were intended 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 (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

The preserved remains of the Oseberg Ship, now located in the Viking Ship Museum (Oslo).

Only a few Viking ships have been excavated and preserved, the most famous of these are:

See also

External links

References

  1. ↑ Peter Sawyer, (1997) The Oxford Illustrated history of the Vikings. Oxford University Press ISBN 978-0-19-285434-6 ISBN 0-19-285434-8