The Vikings were seafaring people originally from Scandinavia, which includes present-day Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. They lived during the Viking Age, roughly from the late 8th century to the late 11th century
. Vikings were known as raiders, pirates, traders, explorers, and settlers who traveled widely across Europe and beyond, reaching as far as the Mediterranean, North Africa, the Middle East, Greenland, and even North America (Vinland, present-day Newfoundland)
. At home, Vikings were often independent farmers, landowning chieftains, and clan members, but at sea, they became fierce warriors and raiders, using their expert sailing and navigation skills to conduct hit-and-run raids on coastal towns and monasteries, which were rich in treasures but poorly defended
. The term "Viking" itself means "pirate raid" in Old Norse, reflecting their reputation for raiding
. Viking society was organized around family groups and clans, with a caste system including jarls (nobles), freemen, and thralls (slaves). They were pagans who worshipped gods like Odin and Thor and believed dying in battle would grant them a place in Valhalla
. Their culture included skilled craftsmanship in metalwork and wood carving, and they were also traders who brought back goods such as silver, silks, spices, and jewelry from their travels
. The Vikings had a profound impact on the political and social development of many regions, including England, parts of France, and Eastern Europe, where they helped establish early states like Kievan Rus'. Some Vikings settled and assimilated, founding new communities such as the Normans in northern France and Norse settlements in the British Isles, Iceland, and Greenland
. In summary, the Vikings were a complex people—farmers, traders, and warriors—originating from Scandinavia who left a lasting legacy through their explorations, raids, and settlements across a vast area of Europe and beyond during the Viking Age (circa 793 to 1066 AD)
