The high-tech shipbuilding methods that helped Vikings dominate the seas

Lisa  Bennett

doi:10.64628/AA.vvvt5ecvm

The high-tech shipbuilding methods that helped Vikings dominate the seas

Lisa Bennett

Research output: Contribution to specialist publication › Article

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Abstract

Images of the sleek keels, elegant planks, and dragon-headed prows of Viking longships have been reproduced countless times on postcards, book covers, souvenirs and in television shows and movies.

These vessels are, quite literally, the poster-ships for the Viking Age, which was between around 750 and 1100 CE.

So what made these ships so special? And why were these advanced shipbuilding techniques so crucial to the Vikings’ success?

Original language	English
Specialist publication	The Conversation
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.64628/AA.vvvt5ecvm
Publication status	Published - 14 May 2026

Keywords

Vikings
shipbuilding

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10.64628/AA.vvvt5ecvmLicence: CC BY

Final published versionFinal published version, 4.37 MBLicence: CC BY

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The high-tech shipbuilding methods that helped Vikings dominate the seas

Abstract

Keywords

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