Viking Ships and Technology

Viking ships, particularly the longship, were advanced vessels designed for speed, flexibility, and shallow water navigation. Constructed from lightweight oak, they featured a clinker-built design, overlapping planks that enhanced durability. Equipped with both sails and oars, these ships could travel across oceans or navigate rivers. Their design allowed Vikings to raid, trade, and explore far beyond their homelands. The Vikings’ maritime technology, including sophisticated navigation methods and shipbuilding techniques, played a crucial role in their ability to engage in widespread exploration and establish settlements across Europe and the North Atlantic.