Norway's past is marked by the Viking Age, which began around 800 AD. During this time, the Vikings were known for their seafaring skills, exploring and trading across Europe. They established settlements in places like Iceland and Greenland and even reached North America, where they founded Vinland. In the late Middle Ages, Norway entered a union with Denmark in 1380, which lasted for over four centuries. This period saw significant cultural and political changes. In 1814, Norway briefly gained independence before entering a new union with Sweden, which lasted until 1905, when Norway finally became a fully independent nation.