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What weapons did the Vikings have?

An Anglo-Saxon warrior fights a Viking warrior in armed combat.
  • Viking warriors fought using long swords aԻ axes. A good sword was handed down from father to son.
  • Vikings did not wear much armour. Most had a round wooden shield for protection.
  • They believed that Odin, the god of war protected them and that they didn't need armour.
  • Vikings formed a ٳ󾱱-ɲ’ where they locked together side-by-side, shields in front, and pushed their enemy back.
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What were Viking ships like?

Viking long ship.

The Vikings built fast ‘dDz-󾱱’ and ‘long ships’ for raiding aԻ war.

They also had slower passenger and cargo ships called ‘kԴǰ’. They built smaller boats too, for fishing or short trips.

A ship carried everything needed at sea – drinking water, dried meat to eat, tools, weapons, and furs to keep warm.

The Oseberg longship in the Vikingskiphuset, Oslo.
  • Viking long ships could sail in 󲹱Ƿ wٱ so they could travel up rivers as well as across the sea.
  • In a raid, a ship could be hauled up on a beach.
  • The Vikings could jump out and start fighting, and then make a quick getaway if they were chased.
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What was the last Viking battle?

Two wooden Viking shields.
  • The Battle of Stamford Bridge in 1066 was the last major Viking battle in England.
  • It was between King Harald of Norway and Tostig and King Harold of England.
  • King Harold won the battle.
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Activities

Activity 1: Viking weapons

Click on the labels below to find out more about a Viking warrior’s weapons and armour.

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Activity 2: Viking long ships

Click on the labels below to find out more about the parts of the a Viking long ship.

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Activity 3: Quiz – Viking battles

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