Skip to main content

What was so special about Viking ships? - Jan Bill

1,102,851 Views

14,041 Questions Answered

TEDEd Animation

Let’s Begin…

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.

How many warriors could a big Viking ship transport?

Sign in to answer question

About TED-Ed Animations

TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

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
  • Compositor Julián André
  • Art Director Carolina Porrero
  • Sound Designer Julián André
  • Music Julián André, Blas Cernicchiaro
  • Director of Production Gerta Xhelo, Gerta Xhelo
  • Editorial Producer Alex Rosenthal, Alex Rosenthal
  • Producer Bethany Cutmore-Scott, Bethany Cutmore-Scott
  • Associate Editorial Producer Dan Kwartler, Elizabeth Cox
  • Script Editor Alex Gendler
  • Fact-Checker Eden Girma

More from Inventions that Shape History