Viking exploration refers to the journeys undertaken by the Norse people, primarily from the late 8th to the early 11th century. These seafarers, known as the Vikings, used advanced ships called longships to navigate the seas. They traveled across the North Atlantic, reaching places like Greenland and Iceland, and even ventured to North America, where they established a settlement at L'Anse aux Meadows. The Vikings were skilled navigators and traders, establishing routes that connected Europe with parts of Asia and the Middle East. Their explorations were driven by a mix of trade, settlement, and sometimes raiding. The legacy of their voyages significantly influenced the cultures and histories of the regions they encountered.