Viking Age War Fleets: Shipbuilding, resource management and maritime warfare in 11th-century Denmark [Hardback]

The military operations of Scandinavian societies in the Viking Age depended on their ships. Different types of ships were used in order to transport troops and war supplies. Some ships were designed to conduct the speedy transport of large numbers of troops, while others were specialised cargo vessels used in military operations as carriers of supplies and sometimes troops as well. This book examines the building and use of ships for warfare in 11th century Denmark. The subjects are addressed through detailed analyses of aspects such as resources, organisational structures and naval warfare. The outcomes are a more informed understanding of 11th century Scandinavian military organisation, shipbuilding and resource management.

"This study reveals, by careful research and analysis based largely on reconstructive archaeology, the full implications of creating, maintaining, and operating war-fleets during the Viking era... The argument is detailed, and might have been tedious had not skilful use been made of tabulated data to lighten and clarify the text. As a result it is a rewarding read with a thought-provoking message, with the tables readily to hand for those who wish to delve more deeply into the evidence. There are two appendices, a glossary, extensive footnotes, and a very full bibliography."
Colin Martin
International Journal of Nautical Archaeology (13/03/2017)