The Vikings were seafaring people from Scandinavia, primarily from present-day Norway, Sweden, and Denmark, who lived during the late 8th to early 11th centuries. They are known for their exploration, trade, and raids across Europe, reaching as far as North America, Iceland, and Russia. Their longships allowed them to navigate rivers and oceans effectively. Viking society was organized into clans led by chieftains, and they practiced a polytheistic religion centered around gods like Odin and Thor. The Viking Age ended with the spread of Christianity and the establishment of more centralized kingdoms in Scandinavia, leading to significant cultural changes.