How were the longhouses kept warm/cool?
In the center of the longhouse was a fire pit ringed with stones and covered with sand for a fire and for cooking. Over the fire hung a cooking pot suspended by either a tripod or hung form the ceiling beams. Above the fire pit was a hole in the roof to let the smoke out. (The chimney had not yet been invented). Down each side of the house were a row of benches for sitting and for sleeping at night. The Vikings slept usually two to a bed under fur skins for warmth. The most important persons usually claimed the area closest to the fires, with less important being farther away in the colder areas. Small windows with leather covers were made to let in light, and could be closed at night and in cold weather.
