Viking Sea Power May Have Emerged in the 3rd Century, During the Roman Era

For generations, the Viking Age has been framed as beginning in the late 8th century, marked by the raid on Lindisfarne in 793. But new archaeological interpretations suggest that the roots of Viking-style seafaring power may stretch back five centuries earlier — deep into the Roman Iron Age.

According to reporting by Science Norway, archaeologist Frans-Arne Stylegar argues that organized naval forces along Norway’s southern and western coasts were already active between AD 180 and 540. If correct, this would mean that something resembling Viking maritime warfare was underway as early as the 3rd century.

Massive Boathouses Along the North Sea Coast

Across coastal Norway facing the North Sea and Skagerrak, archaeologists have documented large clusters of Iron Age boathouses — some exceeding 20 meters in length. These structures, dated to roughly AD 180–540, predate the Viking Age by several centuries.

Traditionally, such buildings were interpreted as markers of local military rivalries among regional chieftains. However, Stylegar believes this explanation is too narrow.

The scale of the boathouses suggests vessels far larger than ordinary fishing boats. Their clustered arrangement resembles organized naval stations rather than scattered local facilities. As reported by Science Norway, Stylegar argues that these sites must be understood within a broader North Sea geopolitical framework — not merely as evidence of domestic conflict.