Rage Of The Norsemen
Viking Halls or “longhouses” where as large as two-hundred and seventy feet by eighty feet. They included a chieftain’s living quarters, a hall (for eating, drinking and talk) as well as spaces for animals and storage. Floors were often of dirt and among the guests were various insects including lice, fleas and flies. Hay was strewn about and moss used as animal litter. Often they were built with rock foundations, peat-block walls, and timber for roof trusses finished off with turf. Classic halls were made of wood, but colder climates embraced earth-filled stone foundations.
As always, there was the great hearth in the center with a post hole to filter out smoke. Around these fires the Viking sagas were told.