the Vikings were seafarers from Northern Europe

a longboat was a strong, narrow boat used by the Vikings

a shield is a large piece of wood or metal with a handle at the back that is used for protection and defence

a raid is when a place is attacked and items are stolen

The Vikings and their longboats

History

Early explorers and their boats

How Polynesian explorers travelled and navigated

Seafaring in the early Mediterranean world

Viking navigation and expansion

The incredible voyages of Zheng He

Chinese innovation in seafaring

William Adams' journey to Japan

Seafaring 450 years ago

John Franklin's lost expedition

Seafaring 150 years ago

From sail to steam power

In ‘Significant explorers: how has seafaring changed over time?’ pupils develop their chronological framework, studying a theme that introduced change and continuity across a long time span. In ‘Significant rulers from the past: what can their stories tell us?’ they continue to develop chronological understanding whilst being introduced to various substantive concepts that relate to ruling.

In ‘Traditional stories: what do they tell us about the distant past?’ pupils moved to the distant past in order to start building their chronological framework by hearing traditional historical stories. In ‘Significant explorers: how has seafaring changed over time?’ pupils develop this framework further by studying a theme that introduces change and continuity across a long time span.

This unit on explorers and seafaring gives students a clear sense of change over time, highlighting technological, economic, and cultural shifts. It covers the sea's role in trade and exploration and explores material culture, craftsmanship, and the influence of seafaring on language and art.

Significant explorers: How has seafaring changed over time?

Depiction of war, threats of war, death or the aftermath of war.

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

Depiction or discussion of violence or fighting, including threats of violence or the aftermath of violence.

Complete the sentence. Longboats had a flat bottom so they could sail through __________ water.

What did Viking warriors hang over the side of a longboat before a raid?

Viking longboat journeys were usually for exploring, raiding and what else?

Where on a longboat would you find an animal shape?

They bounced on top of waves to avoid them.

The wood of the hull was flexible so it did not crack.

Why were Viking longboats so good at moving through strong waves?

How did early explorers travel around the Mediterranean?

What type of boats did seafarers use in the early Mediterranean world?

Why did early seafarers go on journeys around the Mediterranean?

Pick the word that refers to a time when people are fighting.

waiting for waves to push the boat the right way

How did galley ships move through the water of the Mediterranean Sea?

During times that were not peaceful, what were galley ships used for?

Starter Quiz