Vikings on the water

Why was water so important to Viking Age Scandinavia?

• It shaped travel, trade, and settlement patterns
• It provided drinking water only
• It was used for religious rituals
• It was mainly for fishing
• It was used for irrigation

Answer explanation

Scandinavia’s geography made water transport essential, influencing Viking culture and economy.

The countries of Scandinavia are typically composed of.......

• Denmark, Norway and Sweden

• Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands

• Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia

• England, Scotland and Ireland

• Spain, Portugal and France

What was the key technology of the Viking Age?

• Ships
• Castles
• Horses
• Farming tools
• Armor

Answer explanation

Viking ships enabled raiding, trading, exploration, and settlement.

Where was the Kvalsund ship found preserved?

• Preserved in a bog

• In a glacier

• At the bottom of the ocean

• In a tar pit

• In a cold lake

What innovation did the Kvalsund ship have for steering?

• Stern rudder
• Side paddles
• Keel fins
• Front oar
• Sail only

Answer explanation

The ship had a steering oar attached to the stern, improving maneuverability.

What did the 'shallow draught' on Viking boats allow for?

• They could go on sea AND inland rivers AND could be carried overland

• It allowed them to float on lakes

• It prevented them from capsizing

• It meant they could carry more

• It meant they could go over big waves

Which Scandinavian town became a major trading hub in 808 AD?

• Hedeby
• Oslo

• Malmo

• Copenhagen

• Helsinki

Answer explanation

King Godfred moved the main market to Hedeby in 808 AD.

What was notable about Hedeby’s streets?

• They were paved with wood and laid out on a grid
• They were cobbled with stone
• They followed random paths
• They were lined with canals
• They were unpaved

Answer explanation

Hedeby’s streets reflect urban planning and its role as a major trading town.

Which town was located on an island in Lake Mäleren?

• Birka
• Hedeby
• Kaupang
• Oslo
• Stockholm

Answer explanation

Birka’s location allowed trade to flow from the Baltic Sea into Sweden’s interior.

What types of crafts were found in Kaupang?

• Jewellery, iron-working, and weaving
• Pottery and wine-making
• Farming tools only
• Shipbuilding only
• Leather-working only

Answer explanation

Excavations in Kaupang revealed workshops producing jewellery, iron tools, and textiles.