From Map 7

Question

From Map 7

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The Answer is From map 7.5, which I assume is a reference to a specific map in a textbook or historical atlas that you are studying, the shallow draft of Viking warships would explain the paths of their invasions by allowing them to navigate through shallower waters that deeper-draft vessels could not access. This capability would have several implications for the paths of Viking invasions:

1. **Riverine Access**: The shallow draft of Viking longships allowed them to sail up rivers and estuaries that would be inaccessible to larger, deeper-draft ships. This meant that Vikings could penetrate far inland, attacking settlements and monasteries that were not prepared for an attack from the water.

2. **Coastal Raiding**: The ability to sail in shallow coastal waters meant that Vikings could raid along coastlines without the need for deep harbors. They could land on beaches, carry out their raids, and then quickly return to their ships and leave before local forces could mount an effective response.

3. **Surprise Attacks**: The flexibility afforded by the shallow draft meant that Vikings could take unexpected routes, avoiding well-defended areas and striking where defenses were weaker. This unpredictability made it difficult for their enemies to anticipate where the next attack might occur.

4. **Island Hopping**: Vikings could use their shallow-draft ships to easily move between islands, such as those in the British Isles, the Baltic Sea, and the North Atlantic. This allowed them to establish bases and launch further attacks from these strategic positions.

5. **Avoiding Open Sea Battles**: By sticking to shallower waters and coastlines, Viking ships could avoid encounters with larger naval forces in open sea, where their smaller, lighter ships would be at a disadvantage in combat.

In summary, the shallow draft of Viking warships was a key factor in the strategy and success of their invasions. It provided them with a high degree of mobility and access to a wide range of targets, many of which were not prepared for an amphibious assault. This tactical advantage contributed significantly to the Vikings' reputation as fearsome and unpredictable raiders during the early medieval period.

From Map 7

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