The size and shape of these ships were conditioned to their purpose, which in the ninth century was to transport a strong body of men as quickly as possible to the places that were to be attacked.
Umlinganiselo nokwenziwa kwazo eziinqanawa zenziwe ngokwemfuneko nangenjongo, ezazikuthi ngenkulungwane yesithoba zithuthe amadoda anamandla kwindawo ekulwa kuzo.