Did the Vikings Really Carry Their Ships Over Land to Attack Paris?

By Alice Nichols

The Vikings were known for their seafaring skills and their fearsome reputation as raiders. They raided and plundered many coastal towns, cities, and monasteries throughout Europe from the 8th to the 11th centuries.

One of the most famous Viking raids was on Paris in the year 845 AD. According to some historical accounts, the Vikings carried their ships over land to reach Paris. But did they really do this

The Historical Accounts

There are several historical accounts of the Viking raid on Paris, but not all of them mention the Vikings carrying their ships over land. The most famous account is from the Frankish Annals of St. Bertin, which describes how a large fleet of Vikings sailed up the Seine River and attacked Paris. The annals do not mention anything about the Vikings carrying their ships over land.

However, another account from a contemporary Arab chronicler named Ibn-Dihya does mention that after reaching an island near Paris, the Vikings carried their ships across a portage to reach the city.

The Portage Theory

The idea of carrying longships over land may seem unlikely, but there is evidence to suggest that it was possible. The Vikings were known for their shipbuilding skills and it is likely that they built their longships with removable mast and rowing benches to make them easier to transport over land.

A portage or a land route between two bodies of water was a common method used by ancient civilizations to transport boats and goods across difficult terrain. It is possible that the Vikings used a similar method to carry their longships across a short distance between two bodies of water near Paris.

Controversy Surrounding The Theory

The theory of the Vikings carrying their ships over land to attack Paris is still a subject of debate among historians. Some historians argue that the Frankish Annals of St. Bertin, which do not mention anything about the Vikings carrying their ships over land, are more reliable than the account of Ibn-Dihya.

However, others argue that Ibn-Dihya’s account should not be dismissed as it is a contemporary account and provides valuable insight into the Viking raid on Paris.

Conclusion

While it is still unclear whether the Vikings really carried their ships over land to attack Paris, it is clear that they were skilled seafarers and raiders. The Viking raids had a significant impact on European history and culture, and their legacy can still be seen in many aspects of modern-day society.

  • Key Takeaways:
    • The Vikings raided and plundered many coastal towns throughout Europe from the 8th to the 11th centuries.
    • The most famous Viking raid on Paris occurred in 845 AD, but not all historical accounts mention the Vikings carrying their ships over land.
    • The theory of carrying longships over land is still a subject of debate among historians.
    • The Viking legacy can still be seen in many aspects of modern-day society.