The Viking Age was a period of Scandinavian expansion, exploration, and conquest that lasted from the late 8th century to the late 11th century. Beginning with raids on coastal communities in Europe, the Vikings eventually established trade networks, founded settlements, and even conquered territories as far away as England, Ireland, Iceland, Greenland, and parts of present-day Russia.
The Vikings, also known as Norsemen, hailed from modern-day Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. They were skilled sailors and navigators who built sturdy ships capable of navigating the open seas and shallow rivers, allowing them to travel great distances and explore new lands.
One of the defining features of the Viking Age was the raiding and pillaging of coastal villages and monasteries throughout Europe. These raids, often brutal and violent, earned the Vikings a fearsome reputation as ruthless warriors and pirates.
However, the Vikings were not solely focused on warfare. They were also traders, craftsmen, and settlers who established thriving communities in regions they conquered. They traded goods such as furs, timber, slaves, and precious metals, and they played a significant role in the economic and cultural exchange of the medieval world.
The Viking Age culminated in the establishment of permanent settlements in places like Iceland, Greenland, and the British Isles. The Vikings assimilated with local populations, adopted Christianity, and contributed to the development of new societies and cultures.
By the end of the 11th century, the Viking Age came to an end as Scandinavian kingdoms consolidated their power and adopted more centralized forms of government. However, the legacy of the Vikings lives on in the languages, customs, and folklore of the regions they once inhabited, as well as in popular culture and historical scholarship.
Source; Cometodaddy.xyz
