LI: Develop understanding of Viking lifestyles and seafaring abilities.

Warm Up Quiz

1 What does Viking mean in Norse language?

2 In which countries did the Vikings originate?

Between which centuries was the Viking Age?3

What does the word ‘pagan’ mean?4

What were Viking houses called?5

RecapIn today’s lesson, we will discuss the natural environment of Scandinavia and how this impacted the Vikings. The map below shows the countries that make up Scandinavia. The terms below will be used in today’s lesson – write them down.

Fjord

Seafaring

Climate

Navigation

A long, narrow inlet between cliffs

Travelling by sea

Weather conditions over a long time

Locating and planning a route

Natural EnvironmentThis video shows landscapes of Norway. As you watch, take

note of the environment, including landforms, climate, weather, wildlife, and other interesting features.

Lands & Climate

What foods might have been found in this environment?What impact might the colder months had on food sources?

Winter in Norway Norway’s fjord country

A Life by the Sea• Like all settled people, most Vikings lived in

villages and towns along the coast or near water in the country side.

• Due to their proximity to water, Scandinavians were skilled boat builders, navigators and sailors.

• Viking ships were made mostly from oak. Due to access to vast forests meant that shipbuilders could choose timber that suited the straight or curved sections of their vessels.

• They used basic tools like axes, saws, hammers & chisels.

Viking Ships• All ships were built with the same clinker method: each

plank used in the construction of the ship’s hull slightly overlapped the plank below it, with the planks held tighter by iron rivets or nails. Tar and plant matter plugged any gaps between the planks. This kept the ship light, seaworthy and flexible. A steering rudder was set on the starboard (right) side near the rear of ship.

• The Vikings built different types of boats for different purposes.– Longships (17 – 30 metres) were

referred to as ‘dragon ships’ due to the ornate prows (front) carvedinto the shape of a dragon head.

– Trade ships; open holds in the middle of the deck

– Fishing boats

A Longship

Navigation• Natural landmarks and the position of

settlements used to guide them close to coasts• Historians know they used a sun compass:

sailors measure the position of their ships relative to the sun when out at sea.

• It is believed they also navigated using the position of the stars at night.

• Oral traditions of information about the time taken to get to different places.

• Vikings also had good knowledge of ocean currents, sea birds and aquatic life that could have been used to determine locations at sea.

ActivityFinish the editing activity provided to you last week. Once you have finished, follow

THIS LINK to play a game.