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What was so special about Viking ships? - Jan Bill

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As the Roman Empire flourished, Scandinavians had small settlements and no central government. Yet by the 11th century, they had spread far from Scandinavia, gaining control of trade routes throughout Europe, conquering kingdoms as far as Africa, and building outposts in North America. What was the secret to their success? Jan Bill dives into the history of the formidable Viking longship.

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Meet The Creators

  • Educator Jan Bill
  • Director Franco Barroeta Fonseca
  • Narrator Addison Anderson
  • Storyboard Artist Franco Barroeta Fonseca
  • Animator Vidal Barrera, José Ali Sánchez, Santiago Carreto, Angélica Morales, Sebastián Castillo, Mariana Maza, Daniela Leal
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by TED-Ed

The Viking ships are famous for their beauty and their daring voyages. But were other phenomena more important for shaping the Viking era?

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Avatar for Gan Viking
Lesson completed

The fall of the roman empire, the sail improvement on their ships was great situations who build and shape the viking era. But i think the most important phenomena was when the viking footed on England lands tha changed the history of world forever.


Avatar for Valeria Gonzàlez Osorio
Lesson in progress

The other important phenomena of the viking era, was the influence of the romans and the extraordinary estructure of their boats. Viking ships were more famous because they had a great capacity to carry many wars, they were very resistant and could travel great distances quickly.


Avatar for Minwook Kim
Lesson in progress

I think their shaping of the viking era because if they didn't have their boat, they would just be left as a warrior.


Avatar for Angelo Rafael Recio
Lesson in progress

The maritime technologies that the Scandinavians learned from the Romans.


Avatar for Júlia Sala Garcia
Lesson in progress

I think religon was very important because we still know it today.
For exemple Thor, a viking god, is a superhero of Marvel.


Avatar for Santiago Iglesias
Lesson in progress

The most important phenomena of the Viking era was the fall of the Roman Empire.


Avatar for Sean Travis
Lesson in progress

The empire battled the western coast


Avatar for Noelia Rodríguez Merino
Lesson in progress

Yes, they made maps for sea travel so accurate that they are only 2-4% different with measurements made by a modern satellite, even over long distances like crossing the Atlantic Ocean. They also made use of fairly accurate solar compasses. Their sailing skills had a tremendous impact on the history.


Avatar for Jayden A
Lesson in progress

I think that their overall character and war tactics really shaped the Viking Era because now everyone has a scarred image in their head of what a true viking looks like. Fearless, intimidating, and ready for war at all times.


Avatar for jordi caballé
Lesson in progress

No, because the Viking ships started a new era on the ships

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