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Avebury & the Marlborough Downs

In a nutshell from the BBC​…

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FourWinds F
FourWinds Oct 14, 2003 13:35:06
Replying to Steve Gray

One group of people who definitely knew the power of rowing were the Vikings, yet when they had to transport their boats across land they used rollers and dragged them.

If the Vikings didn't think that 'rowing' something across land was worth it I doubt Neolithic man would have done. Gordon's idea is so good, but after thinking about this I don't believe that it was used.

G GordonP
GordonP Oct 14, 2003 15:23:29
Replying to FourWinds

Is that a fact? (moving boats on rollers I mean) or is it conjecture?

I watched a programme about the Vikings using rollers to move a boat and it was'nt very convincing.

In fact I thought at the time they would have been better making a cradle for the boat and rowing it along.

S Steve Gray
Steve Gray Oct 14, 2003 15:36:38
Replying to FourWinds

A boat is much lighter for its size than a lump of stone and it's a pretty awkward shape for levering. There's also the risk of damaging the hull if a lever slipped. I think it's just a case of horses for courses.