Viking Longships
The Viking longships carried Viking warriors far across the sea. They survived storms, rode the waves and dodged rocks. The Vikings used a big rectangular sail in the open sea. When they were on rivers or near to the coast, they would have pulled down the sail and rowed the ship instead. When ever they sailed they always tried to keep in sight of land. When they were sailing far away from the coast the Vikings navigated by the sun and stars. The Vikings had an excellent knowledge of sea birds, fish, winds, and wave patterns which helped them navigate their way. Since wood rots, there is little left of Longships today. The Vikings used to bury rich people in ships. The Vikings were excellent sailors. What were Longships made of? What shape was the Longship sail? When the Vikings sailed they always tried to sail? When the Vikings were not close to land, how did they navigate? Little is left of the Longships because? Do you think the Vikings were good or bad sailors?
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