1The Greatest Sailors of the North
Long ago, the Vikings were the masters of the ocean, and their secret weapon was the longship. These vessels were the Ferraris of the ancient world! Most longships featured a massive square sail made of heavy wool, which could be dyed bright red or striped to look extra intimidating. When the wind was strong, these ships could fly across the water at speeds of up to 15 knots, which is about 17 miles per hour. That might not sound fast today, but 1,000 years ago, it was the fastest way for anyone to travel across the globe.
2Built to Bend, Not Break
One of the most amazing things about a longship was how it was put together. Using a style called "clinker-built," Viking shipbuilders overlapped oak planks and fastened them with iron rivets. Unlike modern boats that are very stiff, longships were incredibly supple. When a giant wave hit the side of the ship in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, the hull would actually twist and flex instead of snapping. This clever engineering allowed the Vikings to survive terrifying storms that would have sunk other, heavier boats. Inside, the sailors sat on storage chests that held all their food and gear while they worked the long wooden oars.
3Rivers, Beaches, and New Worlds
Longships weren't just for the deep blue sea; they were designed to go almost anywhere. Because they had very shallow bottoms, they only needed about three feet of water to float. This meant Vikings could sail right up narrow rivers into the heart of countries like France and England. They could even pull their ships directly onto sandy beaches without needing a harbor! Because the ships were symmetrical—meaning the front looked just like the back—the Vikings didn't even have to turn the boat around to leave. They could simply start rowing in the opposite direction for a lightning-fast getaway.
