The Vikings of Norway

The Viking Age is often seen to have begun in the late 790s, when the Norse made their first appearance on the international stage with a series of texts. Throughout the 800s, Viking ships sailed from Norway and Denmark to Raid England and Ireland and France. The Vikings gradually saw that these regions were not just places to attack, but really nice places to settle. In 872, Harold Fairhair became King of Norway; his reign marked a consolidation of power in much of the region. As Harold's power grew, the ability for men to gain wealth and influence waned, so they looked elsewhere.