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Avebury & the Marlborough Downs

In a nutshell from the BBC​…

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Steve Gray S
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.

F FourWinds
FourWinds Oct 14, 2003 17:45:20
Replying to Steve Gray

I believe it is documented fact that they dragged them.

Viking boats were shallow keeled and had relatively flat bottoms. You *could* have rowed them along on land.

Also remember that these are ocean going vessels that could take a hell of a pounding. Damaging the hull with a lever would have been very hard, especially as you'd only have to wrap something around the end to soften it.