From around A.D. 800 to the 11th century, a vast number of Scandinavians left their homelands to seek their fortunes elsewhere. These seafaring warriors—known collectively as Vikings or Norsemen (“Northmen”)—began by raiding coastal sites, especially undefended monasteries, in Britain and Ireland.

The Vikings were originally diverse Scandinavian seafarers from Norway, Sweden, and Denmark (though other nationalities were later involved) whose raids and subsequent settlements significantly impacted the cultures of Europe and were felt as far as the Mediterranean regions c. 790 - c. 1100 CE.

Viking warriors were skilled Scandinavian seafarers and fighters during the late eighth to early 11th century. These Norse warriors hailed from regions like Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, known as the Viking Age (793-1066 CE).