The Age of the Dragonships, also known as the Viking Age, was a period of great maritime exploration, trade, and warfare in Europe that lasted from the late 8th to the 11th centuries. During this time, Vikings, a seafaring people from Scandinavia, raided and settled vast areas of Europe, including parts of the British Isles, France, Germany, and Russia. They were known for their distinctive longships, or dragonships, which were capable of navigating both rivers and open seas. The Vikings were also skilled traders and established trading routes throughout Europe and beyond, connecting Scandinavia with the Byzantine Empire and the Middle East. Additionally, they were accomplished craftsmen, producing exquisite jewelry, weapons, and other artifacts. The Age of the Dragonships came to an end with the emergence of centralized states in Europe and the decline of Viking power.
