The Fate of Viking Ships: Discarded or Preserved?
For centuries, the image of the mighty Viking ships has captured the hearts and imaginations of people around the world. Venerated as symbols of exploration, conquest, and technological prowess, they played a pivotal role in the extensive history of Nordic maritime culture. But what happens to these formidable vessels after they have served their purpose and been used for a long time? Do they face disposal or are they preserved in some form?
Preservation Through Burial
The most well-preserved Viking ships are found in burial sites. These ships often serve as the final resting places for the elite members of Viking society, such as the chieftains and their families. Many of the ships used in such burials were indeed made to last for a long time. They were built with careful attention to durability, using the best materials available, such as oak planks and iron nails. Despite their initial quality, these ships still showed signs of extensive wear and tear over the years. They were repeatedly repaired, indicating the value placed upon them. Eventually, these revered vessels met their fate, being abandoned in burial sites.
An example of such a ship is the one found in the Salme gravesite in Estonia. This ship, which dates back over a hundred years, demonstrates the enduring nature of these vessels even as they faced numerous challenges. The Salme ship, in particular, is a testament to the high level of craftsmanship and the meticulous care with which these ships were built and maintained.
Trading Ships and Obsolescence
While a few ships were preserved through burial, the majority of Viking ships were not built to last forever. Trading ships, or Koggen, were built to withstand years of use in the rough waters of the North Atlantic. However, once the Vikings ceased their expansive raids and expeditions, these ships were left to their fate. Many were simply discarded when they became obsolete. These trading ships, designed for long voyages and trade missions, often faced deterioration from saltwater exposure, weather, and wear and tear, eventually leading to their decommissioning.
Another type of ship closely associated with Viking voyages was the Dragon ship, used in the earliest periods of Viking exploration and warfare. These ships were more heavily adorned with dragon heads and tails, and were often used during both peaceful and violent times. However, as time moved on and shipbuilding technology progressed, these Dragon ships became obsolete. They were left to rot, murky and decaying, marking the end of an era.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while some Viking ships were specially designed to be transient and ultimately discarded, a significant number of these vessels were preserved through burial. This preservation not only serves as a testament to the craftsmanship and engineering prowess of the Vikings but also provides invaluable insights into their maritime culture and history.
The fate of Viking ships after their use highlights the cyclical nature of human innovation and the changing preferences of society. As technology advances, what was once cutting-edge becomes obsolete, and the ship's ultimate legacy becomes its ability to withstand time and continue to captivate our curiosity.