1.5. How did the Vikings get around? Flashcards
How did the Vikings make their boats?
The Vikings made fast boats from long planks of wood held in place by wooden pegs and iron nails. They overlapped the wooden planks to make the boat strong. They coated the boat with tar from pine trees to make it waterproof.
How were the boats used?
The boats, known as longboats, were used for travelling over the ocean and sailing up rivers.
How did the Vikings find their way?
The Vikings had no special instruments to guide them so they sailed close to the coast whenever possible. They looked for well known landmarks. They also used the Sun and stars to guide them.
To help them work out which direction to take, what did the Vikings know about?
The Vikings had good knowledge of wind and wave patterns to help them work out which direction to take.
Sometimes, to help them navigate, what animal did Viking sailors take with them?
Viking sailors sometimes took ravens with them to help them navigate.
How far did the Vikings travel?
The Vikings travelled far and wide as they traded, raided and settled.
