The term "Viking" refers to the seafaring people from Scandinavia, particularly during the late 8th to early 11th centuries. Known for their longships, they explored, traded, and raided across Europe, reaching as far as North America and Constantinople. Vikings were skilled navigators and craftsmen, leaving a lasting impact on the regions they encountered. Vikings are often depicted as fierce warriors, but they were also farmers, traders, and explorers. They established settlements in places like Iceland and Greenland, and their culture included rich traditions in storytelling, art, and mythology, with gods like Odin and Thor playing central roles in their beliefs.