Oldest Viking boats

Two ships found on the island of Saaremaa in Estonia are the oldest Viking boats in the world. The first boat was discovered in 2008, with a second in 2010. Although the wood of the hulls had rotted away, iron rivets allowed archaeologists to trace their outlines. The crafts were light, fast warships filled with artifacts that identified them as Scandinavian in origin. Radio carbon dating has dated them to between 700-750 AD - predating the supposed advent of the age of the Vikings by 100-50 years. The boats were filled with the bodies of over 30 warriors and four dogs, covered with their shields and buried with their bent swords. The boats were without sails and designed for short distance rowing. Believed to be part of an early raiding party to the Baltic, they represent the starting point for the evolution of Viking vessels into the more traditional long ships.