History was created over a long period of time by different people and nations. A huge contribution to the development of human civilization was made by scientists and dreamers. But no less merit is the warriors: during the campaigns they studied the face of the planet, made a map, got acquainted with the diversity of flora and fauna. Powerful conquerors, terrifying all coastal lands, and brave travelers, conquerors of the waters and skillful merchants. I wonder what it's about? Of course they are Vikings. Their ship was both a home and a means of transportation, and the last shelter in which they went to another world. The significance of this building in the life of the Scandinavians can hardly be overestimated.
The scarcity of nature, difficult living conditions determined not only the occupation and character of the Vikings. It was reflected in the development of the culture of their neighbors, both nearest and more distant. The Scandinavians lived in clans ruled by kings. Often these sea kings did not have their own land holdings, but controlled a certain water area. All members of their family were part of their squad and went on campaigns. Vikings, whose ship was considered the main we alth and valuetribe, were obliged to carefully take care of the ship. He was sheltered from the weather, kept in a special shed when not in use.
The Viking ship, the photo of which is given in this article, was built by the entire population, in clubbing. After all, this construction was not only expensive, but also time-consuming and complex. Equipment and provisions were also stocked up by joint forces - the entire future life of the community depended on a successful campaign.
In that distant era, ships of various types were built by the Vikings. A ship of one type was intended for navigation in the mouths of rivers and along the coastline indented by fjords. Others were more stable and maneuverable, so they boldly went to the waters of the Atlantic. With the development of navigation, ships became larger and larger, with a higher carrying capacity. Already at the end of the tenth - at the beginning of the eleventh century, the Norwegian kings could launch a ship fifty meters long, which required thirty or more pairs of rowers to manage. The brave Normans also made extensive use of the sail.
What were the Viking ships called? "Big Serpent", "Dragon" - they terrified the English, German and French lands only by their appearance. Undoubtedly, they were the pride of their owners, so they were decorated very skillfully. On the stern or bow of the vessel, carved wooden sculptures (a snake, a dragon's head) were installed. They not only frightened enemies, but also protected from evil spirits. On land, they were filmed because the Scandinavians believed that their monsters could anger the locals.gods.
There is no doubt that some astronomical knowledge was not alien to the brave sailors. The Vikings, whose ship reached the territory of America much earlier than the expedition of Columbus, were perfectly oriented by the stars. The Icelandic sagas mention driver stones and sun stones: these may have been the forerunners of the modern compass.
The ship is exactly what allowed the Vikings to dominate the sea and ocean for a long time. He introduced them to distant lands, previously unknown food, and also helped them found cities and entire states in the depths of the mainland.
