The Vikings and their longboats
I can describe the features of Viking longboats.
The Vikings and their longboats
I can describe the features of Viking longboats.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Vikings used fast, narrow boats called longboats for trading and raiding.
- Longboats had oars, sails, and were both strong and flexible, allowing them to withstand strong waves.
- Longboats had flat bottoms, allowing them to sail through shallow water and rivers when the tide was high.
- Longboats were often used for raiding and the sailors on board would hang their shields over the sides of the boat.
- Viking boats were light and fast, they could even be carried short distances over land to other rivers.
Common misconception
Pupils may have the impression that all Vikings were fierce, scary warriors.
Some Vikings were warriors, but not all. Vikings were also traders, farmers and settlers.
Keywords
Vikings - the Vikings were seafarers from Northern Europe
Longboat - a longboat was a strong, narrow boat used by the Vikings
Shield - a shield is a large piece of wood or metal with a handle at the back that is used for protection and defence
Raid - a raid is when a place is attacked and items are stolen
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
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