The Vikings were Norse seafaring people who originated in Scandinavia and invaded many parts of Europe between the 8th-11th centuries AD. They had a hierarchical society of craftsmen, merchants, and leaders and followed Norse pagan beliefs centered around gods like Odin and Thor, though some converted to Christianity over time. The Vikings explored and traded throughout Europe and beyond using advanced ships, and established settlements in places like England, contributing to modern languages and place names before their era drew to a close by the 11th century.