Viking Settlements and Colonization

Viking settlements and colonization occurred during the late 8th to early 11th centuries when Norse explorers, traders, and warriors expanded from Scandinavia. They established communities in places like the British Isles, Iceland, Greenland, and parts of North America, notably L'Anse aux Meadows in Newfoundland. Vikings sought new lands for agriculture, trade, and resources, often clashing with local populations. Their voyages involved longships that facilitated exploration and trade routes, connecting Europe with the wider world. Viking culture thrived through these settlements, leaving lasting impacts on language, trade, and governance in the regions they touched.