The Vikings originated from Scandinavia, a region in Northern Europe that includes the modern countries of Norway, Sweden, and Denmark
. This area was their homeland during the Viking Age, roughly from the late 8th century to the late 11th century. The Vikings were Norse people known for their seafaring skills, raiding, trading, and settling across parts of Europe and beyond
. During the Viking Age, the Scandinavian countries as we know them today did not fully exist; instead, the region consisted of smaller kingdoms and communities with shared cultural traits such as language, art, and housing styles
. The Vikings were primarily farmers, fishermen, and traders who also became expert sailors and navigators, enabling them to explore and settle in distant lands including the British Isles, Iceland, Greenland, and even North America (Vinland)
. In summary, the Vikings came from the Norse homelands of Scandinavia—present-day Norway, Sweden, and Denmark—where they developed their distinctive culture and maritime prowess before expanding their influence across Europe and the North Atlantic
