History of the Viking Ships

Viking ships had two phases, one during the Western Roman Empire time period, and two between 700AD-1150AD. During the first phase the Vikings traded with the Romans -and after the Roman Empire fell- the Vikings became more balanced with Western Europe, because the western roman empire became weaker. During this phase Vikings ships had sails and oars- and were the best ships in all of Europe.  After the Roman Empire fell- a new class of super wealthy Viking Traders. The Vikings had no coinage and were living as far away as North America, and the Middle East.

Viking ships could carry as many as 100 Vikings on one ship. “Viking Products include Vikings exported from Scandinavia included walrus ivory, whalebone, and the furs and skins of animals such as fox, bear, beaver and otters. They also carried amber, a fossilized resin that was cut and polished to make beads, pendants and brooches.” Viking products included wools, furs and ivory mostly which were treated with other people throughout Europe, the Middle East, North America and Asia.

Vikings relied on being in sight range of the next landmark, the moon, stars, wind, clouds and animals. Other Viking territories included: Scotland, Greenland and Iceland. The Vikings tended to island hop, and also do other good things: which includes farming, herding trading and raiding.

Citations:

1. YouTube Video

National Geographic. “How the Viking Longship Changed the World.” YouTube Video, 7:00. July 1, 2020. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kge0c2mNmRQ&t=39s.

2. Viking Ship Museum (Vikingeskibsmuseet)

Viking Ship Museum. “All About the Viking Ship.” Accessed July 14, 2025. https://www.vikingeskibsmuseet.dk/en/professions/education/all-about-the-viking-ship.

3. Warfare History Network

Warfare History Network. “The Viking Longship.” Accessed July 14, 2025. https://warfarehistorynetwork.com/article/the-viking-longship/.

4. Fjord Tours

Fjord Tours. “Vikings: History of the Seafaring Viking Ship (Longship).” Accessed July 14, 2025. https://www.fjordtours.com/en/norway/people-and-culture/viking/vikings-history-seafaring-viking-ship-longship.

5. World History Encyclopedia

Craddock, Nathaniel. “Viking Ships.” World History Encyclopedia. Last modified September 27, 2021. https://www.worldhistory.org/Viking_Ships/.

6. Royal Museums Greenwich. “Viking Ships.” Royal Museums Greenwich. Accessed July 14, 2025. https://www.rmg.co.uk/stories/maritime-history/viking-ships.