The first record of the Vikings comes from a Frankish chronicle, written around 793. In this document, the Viking raiders are described as “a vicious and savage race” who descended upon the coasts of Europe in longboats. This account marks the beginning of the Viking Age, which lasted until 1066.
The Vikings were a seafaring people from Scandinavia who established settlements and trading posts along the coasts of Europe from the 8th to 11th centuries. During this time, they also raided coastal towns and villages, seeking plunder. The Viking Age came to an end with the Battle of Stamford Bridge in 1066, after which the Vikings were defeated by the English army.
