Viking ship Guillaume le Conquérant1066  1/60

The boat types varied considerably, depending on the purpose of the ship, but they were generally characterized as being slender and flexible, with symmetrical ends with a true keel. They were built with clinkers, which are overlapping planks riveted together. Some may have had a dragon's head or other round object projecting from the bow and stern for design, although this is only inferred from historical sources. Viking ships were used for military purposes as well as for long-distance trade, exploration, and colonization.