Vikings originated from Scandinavia in Denmark, Norway, and Sweden between AD 700-1100. They were skilled seafarers and craftsmen who traveled by boat for trade, farming, raiding, and settling in new lands such as Britain, Ireland, and parts of northern France. Vikings lived in wooden or stone houses and wore wool or animal skin clothes suited for the cold climate. Their culture included Norse mythology and skilled shipbuilding that allowed their longships to sail up rivers and coasts for exploration, warfare, and trade.