TED-ED: What was so special about Viking ships? - Jan Bill

The transcript explores the evolution of Scandinavian societies from small settlements to the expansive Viking era. It highlights the pivotal role of shipbuilding in Viking success, detailing the transition from simple log boats to advanced longships. The Vikings' strategic use of these ships enabled them to control trade routes, explore new territories, and establish settlements far from their homeland, including North America. The narrative also touches on the influence of Roman maritime technology on Scandinavian shipbuilding.

What was a key factor in the Vikings' ability to expand and control trade routes?

• Their centralized government

• Their formidable ships

• Their advanced weaponry

• Their use of coinage

How did Scandinavians initially improve their boats using Roman technology?

• By incorporating internal frames

• By increasing the size of the boats

• By using iron nails for fasteners

• By adding sails

What was a significant change in shipbuilding after the Western Roman Empire collapsed?

• The return to log boat bases

• The use of copper nails

• The introduction of sails

• The development of internal frames

What advantage did the Viking longships have over other ships of their time?

• They required a large crew

• They could only be used in rivers

• They were light and speedy

• They were larger and heavier

What was one of the uses of Viking longships when not at war?

• Building fortifications

• Transporting goods and trade journeys

• Mining operations

• Farming activities