Swedish Grad Students Explore Viking History via Sea
Graduate students in Sweden are gaining hands-on experience in Viking studies in a rather unique manner.
Greer Jarrett, pursuing his Ph.D. at Lund University, has embarked on an impressive journey, covering over 3,000 miles along ancient Viking trade routes across the Arctic Ocean.
Working with his team, he set sail on a replica Viking ship—a type of vessel used around 1,200 years ago. It’s quite fascinating, really, to imagine sailing in a boat that echoes history so closely.
So far, what has Jarrett’s research uncovered? Well, among various findings, he has pinpointed four potential Viking ports along the Norwegian coastline.
His findings indicate that, according to a statement from Lund University, the Viking trade network was more expansive and adventurous than previously understood, operating through a decentralized port system during their travels.
In his recent studies, Jarrett found evidence supporting this decentralized network of ports located on islands and peninsulas, which likely were crucial for trade and travel during the Viking period. He mentioned that the type of boats the Vikings utilized would have required access to ports that were frequently reachable.
“This kind of boat likely allowed them to enter and exit harbors in various wind conditions,” he pointed out, indicating their flexibility on the water.
While it’s well-known where Viking expeditions generally started and ended, archaeologists acknowledged a gap in their knowledge about informal stops during these journeys.
Jarrett’s research zeroes in on what transpired during voyages between major trade hubs. “I think this network of smaller port locations was vital for streamlining trade back then,” he explained.
“Our hands were really struggling. At that point, I realized how crucial it is to have a dependable crew.”
His three-year journey wasn’t without its challenges. At one moment, just 15 miles offshore, the ship’s mast spur broke and the mainsail came down. Not a great situation to be in!
“We had to improvise with two oars to prop up the sails and just hope for the best,” he recalled. Thankfully, they made it back safely, but spent several days repairing the boat before they could set out again.
On another occasion, he encountered a mink whale that surfaced alarmingly close to the boat, which must have been quite a sight. Sailing close to land proved difficult due to underwater currents and winds, so Jarrett had to navigate using a “mental map,” reminiscent of what the Vikings might have done.
Interestingly, Jarrett discovered that these ancient vessels were surprisingly stable despite lacking a deep keel. This realization added another layer to his findings.
“There were some aspects of the journey that genuinely surprised me,” he shared.
Archaeologists have also recognized that the relationships formed during these voyages were vital for the Vikings’ survival and ability to navigate difficult waters.
“We certainly needed a robust boat able to handle various weather conditions,” he emphasized, adding that teamwork was essential. “These trips would likely have been impossible without a cooperative crew.”
“The harsh cold of Norway’s Lofoten Islands presented its own set of challenges,” Jarrett noted. “I really came to understand the importance of having a solid team during such trials.”
The Viking era spanned roughly from 800 to 1050 AD, with remnants of their presence still being uncovered across Europe.
Recently, there have been exciting discoveries, including instances where metal detectors stumbled upon a 1,000-year-old Viking wallet, reminding us of the ongoing fascination with this remarkable period in history.
