Worksheet about the Vikings with questions on their origins, ships, and daily life.

Let me work through each question carefully before providing the final answers.

Question 1: Where did the Vikings come from?
- The Vikings were seafaring people from Scandinavia, which includes Norway, Sweden, and Denmark
- Looking at the options: China (no), America (no), Norway and Sweden (yes - these are Scandinavian countries), Japan (no)
- Answer: c) Norway and Sweden

Question 2: Why were their ships called 'dragonships'?
- Viking longships had carved dragon heads on the front (prow) of the ship
- These decorations made the ships look fierce and intimidating
- That's why they got the name "dragonships"

Question 3: Which statement is NOT true?
- a) Vikings were good sailors - TRUE (they were excellent navigators and shipbuilders)
- b) Vikings were great fighters - TRUE (they were known as fierce warriors)
- c) Viking women were not important - FALSE (Viking women actually had more rights than women in many other societies at that time; they could own property, divorce, and run households)
- Answer: c) Viking women were not important

Question 4: Why did the Vikings attack villages and towns near the sea?
- Their main advantage was their ships - they could travel quickly by water
- Coastal settlements were easier to reach by ship
- They could make surprise attacks and escape quickly back to their ships
- It was safer and more practical than traveling inland over land

Question 5: Why were these items found on Viking ships?

a) Dried meat: Ships needed food for long journeys. Dried meat doesn't spoil quickly and provides energy/protein for the crew during voyages.

b) Furs: Furs provided warmth in cold weather, especially when sailing in northern waters. They could also be traded or sold.

c) Tools: Vikings needed tools to repair their ships, build shelters when they landed, and for various tasks during their journeys and raids.

d) Weapons: Vikings were warriors who raided and fought. They needed weapons like swords, axes, and shields to defend themselves and attack.

e) Drinking water: Essential for survival! Crews needed fresh water to drink during long sea voyages where there was no access to fresh water sources.

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Final Answer:

1. c) Norway and Sweden

2. Because Viking ships had carved dragon heads on the front of them.

3. c) Viking women were not important.

4. The Vikings attacked coastal villages because they traveled by ship. It was easier and faster to reach seaside towns by boat, and they could escape quickly after an attack.

5.
- a) dried meat - To provide food for the crew during long voyages since it doesn't spoil easily
- b) furs - To keep warm in cold weather and for trading
- c) tools - To repair ships and build things when they landed
- d) weapons - To fight and protect themselves during raids
- e) drinking water - So the crew wouldn't get thirsty during their journey