
The Vikings
The Vikings were seafaring Scandinavian people from Norway, Denmark, and Sweden who lived from the late 8th to the early 11th century. Renowned for their longships, they explored, raided, and settled across Europe, reaching as far as North America. Vikings were skilled traders and navigators, contributing to cultural exchange, and they established settlements in places like England, Ireland, and Greenland. Their influence is evident in language, art, and mythology. While often viewed as ruthless raiders, they were also farmers, craftsmen, and explorers, shaping the history of Europe during the early medieval period.