Viking Ship
Ship: c. 820
Photograph: 1904, Oseberg, (Tønsberg, Norway)
1 black and white photograph
National Archives of Norway
RA/S-1021/Ej/L0697
The term ‘Viking Ship’ refers to a large category of Nordic wooden vessels built and used by the Vikings, during the era that bears their name, 800-1050 AD. The Vikings were feared and admired across Europe; their voyages and their incursions remain the stuff of legend, and their ships were almost as famous as the Vikings themselves.
Viking ships of all types were known for their technical and artistic perfection. The design varied, depending on whether they were intended for military or commercial use. Most Viking navigation was coastal or along rivers, but, as is well known, they sometimes engaged in deep sea voyages, with ships designed for Atlantic navigation sometimes known by the Norse term ‘Knarr.’ Viking ships were fast and manoeuvrable, with the strength to survive ocean crossings.
Remains of various Viking ships have been discovered in modern times and three Norwegian ships have been excavated: the Oseberg ship (c. 21.5m), excavated in 1904-1905; the Gokstad ship (c. 23.3m), excavated in 1880; and the Tune ship (c. 18.7m), excavated in 1867.
The discovery of these ships greatly enhanced our knowledge of Viking shipbuilding techniques and their navigational capacities. Skeletons were also discovered along with the ships, and a great quantity of grave goods, ornaments and funeral paraphernalia, which not only indicate opulent rituals, but also broaden our understanding of Viking religious and cultural practices.