Seafaring and navigation in the Nordic Bronze Age: The application of an ocean voyage tool and boat performance data for comparing direct open water crossings with sheltered coastal routes

Abstract

This study presents an “ocean voyaging tool” that combines predicted vessel performance data with agent-based simulations. This tool offers a new way to assess navigation and seafaring abilities in prehistory while also enabling the direct comparison between different type vessels and vessel configuration, navigational skills and propulsion. Results are filtered using certain limitations on safety (wind strength, wave height, light etc.) and navigational error. The method is here used to compare direct open water (c. 110 km) and coast hugging (c. 700 km) voyages between Jutland and south-west Norway in the Early Nordic Bronze Age, two areas that were closely connected from the Late Neolithic throughout the Bronze Age (c. 2350-1500 BC). Simulated results suggest that although the longer coastal route is usable all year round, direct open sea voyages, which included navigation out-of-sight-of-land for up to 50 km, were most likely undertaken. Such voyages would have necessitated boats capable of withstanding and maintaining directional control in ≤  1 m waves and winds of up to 10 knots (5 m/s) at a minimum. Furthermore, these simulations highlight the comparable advantage of sail over paddling for transporting cargo over long distances (journeys of more than one days length).