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How did Viking ships differ when used for warfare and cargo travel?
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Viking
Exhumed Viking ship; in the Viking Ship Museum, Oslo, Norway.
At the beginning of the Viking period, around 800 CE, there was no distinction between ships used for warfare and those used for cargo; the same Viking ship served both purposes as needed. These vessels were sturdy, double-ended, and clinker-built with overlapping planks.1
As the Viking period progressed, they began to build larger ships specifically designed for war. By 1000 CE, these warships were categorized by their size and rowing capacity:1
- Smaller warships: Fewer than 20 thwarts (40 rowers).
- Mid-sized warships: Up to 30 thwarts; these were considered the most valuable due to their speed and maneuverability.1
- Great ships: More than 30 thwarts; these were the "battleships" of the era, though they were expensive, unwieldy, and less numerous.1
In contrast to specialized warships, cargo vessels were generally designed to maximize tonnage while maintaining a smaller crew. While early Viking craft were versatile, the eventual development of specialized designs allowed for greater efficiency in both raiding and trade.21