Longship: Difference between revisions
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Longships had a distinctive high prow, often carved in the form of a [[dragon|dragon's]] head, which gave them the alternate '''dragon ship'''. |
Longships had a distinctive high prow, often carved in the form of a [[dragon|dragon's]] head, which gave them the alternate '''dragon ship'''. |
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However, the longship was not used just by the Norse, [[Viking]] pirates, as their Baltic neighbours, the Curonians had a similar style boat with square sails, oars, and carved prow. |
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''Source:'' Seafaring in Latvia http://www.li.lv/old/seafaring.htm |
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Revision as of 20:57, 10 December 2005
A longship was the primary method of transportation for the Norse people. A typical longship was 18-24 metres long and only 4-6 metres wide, with a single square sail and banks of oars for motive power. Their long length and shallow draft, about a metre, allowed them to sail at great speed and in extremely shallow water.
Longships had a distinctive high prow, often carved in the form of a dragon's head, which gave them the alternate dragon ship.
However, the longship was not used just by the Norse, Viking pirates, as their Baltic neighbours, the Curonians had a similar style boat with square sails, oars, and carved prow.
Source: Seafaring in Latvia http://www.li.lv/old/seafaring.htm
