Summary: Vikings
Key dates:
The great Viking raids began about 795AD and, by 837, there were large fleets in Ireland; 60 on the Boyne and a similar number on the Liffey. Viking longships usually had one large sail and were powered by 40-60 rowers. Shields were displayed along the side of the ship and the prows were decorated with carvings of snake or dragon heads. These longships were speedy and easy to manoeuvre in the narrow inlets.
Horses and ceremonial carts were commonly used by the Vikings.
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