Longships were sleek, narrow vessels used by the Vikings from the 8th to the 11th centuries. Designed for speed and agility, they featured a shallow draft, allowing them to navigate both open seas and shallow rivers. This versatility enabled the Vikings to conduct raids, trade, and exploration across Europe. Constructed from overlapping wooden planks, longships were powered by both sails and oars. The ships often had a dragon or serpent figurehead, symbolizing strength and power. Longships played a crucial role in the Viking Age, facilitating their expansion and influence across various regions.