Questions;

1) Why do you think the Danes never used a lateen rig on their ships in lieu of a square rig, which would have given them up wind capabilities by tacking?  This technology was available at the time, and although their seamanship was extraordinary, it could have been greatly enhanced by a little homework.

2)  Why did they never adopt any of the available war  technology?  Did they never read of Greek Fire? A kind of napalm cousin made by mixing Naphtha, magnesium (to burn hotter), sulpher (to add oxygen), pitch and seal oil.. all readily obtainable and written of in Greek and Roman writings.  The stuff would stick, burn fiercely hot and could not be put out by water…wow!

3) Super-fire arrows.  Add the delivery system of an arbalest, a six or seven foot wide crossbow which fired  huge darts (bolts) several hundred yards, upon which shaft, flattish clay containers of the Greek Fire substitute were bound plus burning thatch and no ship could come within 300 yards and escape.

Had either side implemented the better sail rig, Greek Fire or an arbalest…whew!  Rewrite history!!

Karl Elshoff