Those who could not run fast enough were killed and their helmets, weapons and armour were stolen. The Vikings did not send many ships on their first raids. They made surprise attacks on ...

Axes and spears made of wood and metal were cheaper ... dried meat to eat, tools, weapons, and furs to keep warm. Viking longships could sail in shallow water so they could travel up rivers ...

Only fragments survive, but evidence suggests Viking sails were roughly square shaped and made of wool dyed in bold colors or stripes to signify ownership, group identity, and status. The mast ...