Fully developed examples have been found dating from 300 bce. It carried the Vikings on their piratical raids of the 9th century and bore Leif Eriksson to America in 1000. It was also used by Dutch, French, English, and German merchants and warriors.

When was the first Viking longship built?

The first longships can trace their origin back to between 500 and 300 BC, when the Danish Hjortspring boat was built.

When did Vikings start building boats?

Viking ships were built by the Scandinavians during the Viking Age (c. 790 CE - c. 1100 CE) and were used both within Scandinavia and beyond for purposes ranging from being the most important means of transport to trade and warfare. Viking expansion, moreover, would not have been possible without ships.