The Vikings were a seafaring people from Scandinavia who, during the early Middle Ages, expanded their influence across Europe and beyond through a combination of trade, exploration, and raids. Their society was organized into family clans led by a jarl, and they were known for their advanced shipbuilding skills, which allowed them to navigate both open seas and inland rivers. While often remembered for their brutal raids on monasteries and coastal settlements, the Vikings were also skilled traders who established extensive networks, and their culture, mythology, and social structure left a lasting impact on the regions they encountered.