The History of Viking Longboats

The famed longboats of the Vikings were so successful as an instrument of raiding and plundering that the Vikings were able to develop a market for a variety of stolen goods. Viking longboats entered the wide water ways, working ever southward, deep into unknown lands. The Vikings would land, and allow Norse warriors to pillage and plunder large parts of Europe. Knowing that after they sailed off, no other vessels were fast or agile enough to catch ever catch them.

Replica boats and voyages are popular undertakings by Viking enthusiasts. One of the first of its kind was a replica of the well-preserved Gokstad ship, which was built and sailed in 1893. It supposedly reached the Newfoundland coast in 27 days and carried on to was is now Chicago where it challenged the 400th anniversary of Columbus’ discovery of America. Which at the time was being celebrated there at the great World Exposition. The acclaimed performance of the vessel stirred debate about the first European discovery of the Americas. What was the real truth?

For more information on Viking accessories, battle helmets or dark ages history, visit The Historical Weapons Store.com