Ships used by Scandinavian warriors (Vikings) and traders from the 5th to 12th centuries. They were long (up to 150 feet), and looked much like enormous
canoes. They were powered by both oar and sail.
These ships allowed the Vikings to travel to places as far as Iran and Cape Cod. If it wasn't for the
Longship, the Vikings would not have been able to become a feared prescence in Europe.
Some facts about Viking longships:
Under certain weather conditions, a Viking Ship can outsail a modern racing yacht!
A ship was considered a Viking
chief's most prized posession. They were given names like "Steed of the waves" and "Long Serpent".
They were "
Clinker Built", with overlapping
strakes running from bow to stern. This allowed them to ride on the waves, instead of being crushed by the vicious North Sea waves.
Though they were very fast, Viking Ships stood very little chance in a
naval battle (except against other Vikings.