Raiders of the Northern Seas: The Viking Age and Their Legendary Longships

In the dark ages of Europe, from AD 700 to 1100, the Vikings, all the way from Norway, Denmark, Finland, and Sweden, they were like the rockstars of the high seas. Known for their killer trading skills and their knack for raiding, these Vikings didn’t mess around. They hit up Britain, Ireland, and even made it as far as North America.

These Vikings weren’t just swinging swords and axes, they were master shipbuilders. They crafted everything from tiny fishing boats to those iconic longships. Longships with these gnarly carvings of dragons and whatnot on the front, made from oak planks sealed with wool, moss, and animal hair mixed with tar. These things were like the Ferraris of the seas, fast and furious, perfect for sneaking up on unsuspecting victims.

With oars and a massive square sail, these Viking longships were the ultimate speed machines. Sure, there wasn’t much shelter on board, but these Vikings were resourceful. They’d set up makeshift tents using the ship’s sail when they needed to crash for the night. And let me tell you, life on board was no picnic, especially when the seas got rough. That’s why they usually saved their voyages for the springtime when the weather was a bit more forgiving.

Now, these Vikings didn’t have GPS or Google Maps, but they knew their way around the seas like nobody’s business. They’d use the stars, the waves, the birds, you name it, to find their way. Some folks say they might’ve even used a compass, but who knows?

But these Vikings weren’t just all about raiding and pillaging, they were also savvy traders. They’d trade goods like walrus ivory, whalebone, furs, and amber for stuff like wheat, wool, honey, and tin. And they weren’t afraid to travel either. They hit up Iceland, Greenland, and even North America, setting up shop wherever they went.

Now, the Viking Age hit its peak in the late 8th and early 9th centuries with some seriously devastating raids. But as other Europeans got wise to their game, the Vikings’ reign started to crumble. By the mid-11th century, their raids were getting shut down left and right, and they had to start mixing it up with the locals. But hey, their legacy lives on in places like Normandy, England, and Scotland, where you can still see their influence today. These Vikings may be gone, but they definitely left their mark on history.