Oars at War. Dromon and Drakkar - 11th Century (original) (raw)
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In this article, the author attempts to sift out from Old Norse (ON) written sources the early Viking Age terms for ship types and to link them to actual ships and ship depictions from that period. The author argues that knǫrr, beit, skeið, kjóll, askr, and elliði were the main ship types of the early Viking Age in Scandinavia, at least in the west, and that knerrir referred during this period to warships like Oseberg and only later to cargo ships like Skuldelev 1. ‘A ship with a backwards curved stem’ seems to have been the original meaning of knǫrr. Kjólar were heavy, all-round ships like Gokstad, the author argues, and beit were very early ships with angular stems known from depictions. Skeiðar were low, narrow ships like Ladby. Askar were also very early, small, light ships with stitched planking, whereas elliðar were combined inland / sea vessels, originally Eastern European.
Chapter 1 of my ongoing project, "The Fright and Thrill of Navigation," deals with medieval Mediterranean galleys. It elaborates on their dimensions, design, and displacement. The article also comments on the craft's functions in warfare, peacetime, and sailing season constraints. It further focuses on nocturnal steering, operational range, speed, and watering the crews. The paper concludes with notes on coastal shipping, beaching, life expectancy, and visibility.
The Byzantine Contribution to Maritime Warfare
The article elaborates on the development of East Roman warships. It traces the formation of naval tactics and technological breakthroughs responsible for constructing formidable fleets. Keywords: dromon, full deck, skeleton-first, lateen sail
Fregat and snau: small cruisers in the Danish navy 1650-1750
2008
In common perception sailing warships of the 17 th and 18 th century were large and prestigious ships of the line, just as HMS Victory, the flagship of Admiral Nelson at Trafalgar. It is true that most naval battles were decided by these ships, but the sailing navies also included a whole range of smaller vessels which operated outside of the line of battle. One example are cruisers, warships mainly built for cruising against enemy ships or privateers.
Boetta, G., Pomey, P., Poveda, P. (Eds.) Open Sea, Closed Sea: Local and Inter-Regional Traditions in Shipbuilding, Proceedings of the Fifteenth International Symposium on Boat and Ship Archaeology Marseuilles 2018, 2021
Research in the Swedish military archives has revealed the identity of the 'Edesö Wreck' as the Bodekull belonging to the Swedish navy. The vessel was one of around 45 struss vessels ordered by King Karl X Gustav in 1659 to be used to transport troops and horses between the Danish isles. As a consequence of the king's sudden death in January 1660 and the end of the war against Denmark, the semi-finished purpose-built invasion fleet was rebuilt into vessels for which the navy had better use. It is still possible, however, to trace the original design of the vessel through the preserved hull structure.
Chieftains and shipbuilding Viking 88 2024 219 36
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Viking ships were fundamental to the activities of trade, raiding, exploration, and transportation, and their construction and maintenance required considerable resources and specialized knowledge. Chieftains played a central role in overseeing the production of ships, ensuring that these critical vessels were available to support Viking society's needs. By around the year 1000, estimates suggest that Scandinavia's fleet included approximately 1,000 warships, with a total of around 1,500 ships when including cargo vessels. Given that around 10% of the fleet was lost annually, it is estimated that about 150 new ships had to be constructed each year to sustain the fleet. The Viking economy and society were closely interconnected through complex trade routes, which were protected and managed by chieftains. These leaders, through their kinship and friendship ties, were pivotal in establishing and maintaining extensive trade networks that stretched across Scandinavia and into far-flung regions. Farms, particularly those controlled by chieftains, were key to the economic system, with large workforces, including slaves (thralls), engaged in shipbuilding, ironworking, and other essential industries to support these ventures.
Evolution of Warships: From Ancient Galleys to Modern Naval Powerhouses
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This journal explores the history and evolution of warships, from ancient times to the modern era. It delves into the development of various types of warships, their roles in naval warfare, and the technological advancements that shaped their design. The journal highlights significant milestones in naval history and provides insights into the blurred distinction between warships and merchant ships during wartime. The aim is to provide a comprehensive overview of the evolution of warships and their importance in naval warfare.