These boats were built by the Vikings, and were known as ‘Drakar’ or Dragon ships and they were designed for war.
They were long, speedy and beautifully carved wooden ships. Because they were so light they could sail easily onto beaches.
The Vikings would also threaten villagers with an attack if they were not paid to go away. This usually worked and the villages would pay in gold.
The Vikings used the position of the Sun, Moon and Stars to guide them on their voyages and they would follow the direction of the wind.