- The Vikings were skilled navigators and explorers. They used their longships to travel vast distances across the open sea, reaching as far as North America, Europe, and the Mediterranean.
- Once they found a suitable location, they would establish a settlement and begin to build homes, farms, and other structures. They also established trading posts and engaged in trade with the local population.
2. Raided and plundered settlements.
- The Vikings were also known for their raids and plundering. They would often attack coastal settlements, monasteries, and other vulnerable targets. They would take whatever they could find, including food, supplies, and valuables.
- They would also capture people and take them back to Scandinavia as slaves or to be sold as slaves.
3. Established trade networks.
- The Vikings were also skilled traders. They traded with the local population as well as with other Viking settlements and with traders from other parts of Europe and the Middle East.
- They traded a variety of goods, including furs, walrus ivory, and amber, for items such as weapons, tools, and spices.
4. Spread their culture and influence.
- The Vikings had a significant impact on the cultures of the regions they settled. They introduced new technologies, such as the longships, and new farming techniques. They also influenced the local language, art, and architecture.
- The Viking Age had a lasting impact on the history and culture of Europe and Scandinavia.