How Did Vikings Use Sundials?
A remarkable discovery in Greenland—a mysterious Viking sundial—may have been a crucial tool for ancient Norse sailors, enabling them to traverse the Atlantic Ocean along consistent north-south latitudes, according to recent research.
The study, published on April 9 in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society A: Mathematical and Physical Sciences, sheds new light on the maritime expertise of these legendary Norse seafarers, suggesting their navigational abilities were far more advanced than previously believed.
“Norse people have long been recognized as exceptional mariners. This study reveals they likely relied on far more sophisticated tools than we had imagined,” explained Balázs Bernáth, a researcher from Eötvös University in Hungary and co-author of the study.
Sundials in Viking Daily Life
While the Vikings are celebrated for their seafaring prowess, sundials also had practical uses on land, serving as tools to track time for daily activities. Archaeological findings suggest that Vikings utilized small, portable sundials to schedule tasks, particularly in agricultural communities where timing was essential for planting, harvesting, and other seasonal duties.
These sundials were simple yet effective, often designed as wooden or metal plates with markings corresponding to specific hours. By aligning the sundial's gnomon—a small, upright rod—with the sun's shadow, they could estimate the time of day. Such instruments underscored the Vikings' ingenuity and their deep understanding of the sun's movements, even in the far northern latitudes with prolonged daylight during summer and long nights in winter.
Enigmatic Viking Navigational Tool
The question of how Vikings skillfully navigated vast and unpredictable seas has long intrigued historians and inspired countless tales. Experts believe the Vikings employed advanced sun compasses to determine true north, coupled with a "magical" crystal—likely a sunstone—to steer their course even under overcast skies. Recent scientific discoveries have provided compelling evidence of the existence of these fabled Viking sunstones.
In 1948, a remarkable wooden artifact was uncovered beneath the ruins of a Benedictine monastery near a fjord in Uunartoq, Greenland. This region had been a hub for Norse farmers during the 10th century. The artifact, intricately crafted into a semi-circular shape, featured a central hole and a zigzag pattern meticulously etched along its outer edge. Additional lines were engraved on the inner surface of the plate, hinting at its potential role as a sophisticated navigational instrument.
Could It Be a Viking Sun Compass or Just a Household Decoration?
While some skeptics dismissed it as nothing more than a decorative household item, many researchers believed this intriguing artifact was actually a rare Viking sun compass. In fact, earlier studies saw researchers testing a similarly crafted compass on replica Viking ships to evaluate its navigational capabilities.
However, the compass’s navigational lines were found to be incomplete, which hindered its accuracy in pinpointing true North. It was off by approximately one degree, a seemingly small error that could translate to days of misdirected sailing. "Such inaccuracies could have had significant consequences," noted Amit Lerner, an ocean optics expert from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, who did not participate in the study.
Ancient Mariners and the Secrets of Viking Navigation
A recent study has sparked curiosity about whether the Viking compass had a more advanced primary purpose: determining latitude, or the north-south position on Earth.
"Vikings practiced latitude sailing, which involves navigating across open waters along a specific latitude. For instance, they routinely traveled over 1,600 miles (2,500 kilometers) along the 61st latitude, journeying from Norway to Greenland and back. Achieving this requires either a highly accurate compass or constant latitude checks," explained Bernáth.
However, the Vikings' small vessels would have been easily pushed off course by wind and ocean currents, necessitating frequent latitude readings to maintain their path. Unlike Arabian sailors, who relied on stars for navigation, the Vikings operated near the Arctic Circle. In the summer months, the sun remains visible even at night, leading researchers to theorize that the Vikings depended on solar navigation instead of stellar cues.
The researchers proposed that at midday, when the sun reaches its peak, the compass dial would cast a shadow between two specific lines on the instrument. By measuring the length of this shadow against scaling lines on the dial, the Vikings could determine their latitude.
Despite the compelling calculations and theories, testing this hypothesis remains impossible, according to Lerner, who shared the findings with LiveScience.
Conclusion
The discovery of Viking sundials and their potential use in navigation sheds light on the ingenuity of these legendary Norse seafarers. From tracking daily tasks on land to guiding ships across vast and unpredictable seas, the sundials underscore the Vikings' sophisticated understanding of the natural world. Their reliance on tools like sun compasses and possibly sunstones highlights a mastery of solar navigation that was unparalleled for their time. While some aspects of their techniques remain speculative, the evidence points to a level of maritime expertise far beyond what was previously believed. This blend of science, innovation, and adaptability ensured the Vikings' success in their exploratory ventures, leaving an enduring legacy of innovation.
As research continues to uncover more about these remarkable tools, it offers not only insights into Viking navigation but also a deeper appreciation for their ingenuity and determination in conquering the challenges of their environment. These findings inspire awe for the Norse people's resourcefulness and remind us of their profound contributions to early exploration and navigation.
FAQs
What is a Viking sundial, and how did it work?
A Viking sundial was a portable device used to track time by observing the shadow cast by a central rod, known as a gnomon, on a marked surface. On land, it was used to schedule daily activities, while at sea, it helped the Vikings navigate by aligning the shadow with the sun's position.
Did the Vikings use sundials for navigation?
Yes, sundials played a key role in Viking navigation, particularly when paired with sun compasses and possibly sunstones. These tools allowed them to determine latitude and maintain their course along specific routes, even under challenging conditions like overcast skies.
What is a Viking sunstone, and why is it significant?
A Viking sunstone is believed to be a type of crystal, such as calcite, that could detect the sun's position even on cloudy days or during twilight. This tool, if used alongside a sundial or sun compass, would have been invaluable for maintaining accurate navigation.
Why were Viking navigational tools considered advanced for their time?
Viking navigational tools demonstrated advanced scientific understanding, such as the ability to calculate latitude and true north using solar cues. This knowledge enabled them to sail long distances across the Atlantic with remarkable precision, which was a significant achievement in the early medieval period.
Were Viking sundials reliable for navigation?
While Viking sundials were innovative, they were not entirely precise. In some cases, inaccuracies in their design could lead to errors in navigation. However, the Vikings compensated for this by taking frequent latitude readings and adapting to environmental challenges, showcasing their expertise in seafaring.