What were Viking battles like?

• Viking warriors fought using long swords and 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 ‘shield-wall’ where they locked together side-by-side, shields in front, and pushed their enemy back.

The Vikings built fast ‘dragon-ships’ and ‘long ships’ for raiding and war.

They also had slower passenger and cargo ships called ‘knorrs’. 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.

• Viking long ships could sail in shallow water 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.

• 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.

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

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