http://home.exetel.com.au/manxman/vikings/General_History
Viking Age is the term used for the years from about 700 to 1066 in European history. It forms a major part of Scandinavian history. Scandinavian (Norse) Vikings explored Europe by its oceans and rivers through trade and warfare. The Vikings also reached Iceland, Greenland, Newfoundland, and Anatolia. Additionally, there is some disputed evidence, based on the Vinland legend, that Vikings may have reached farther south to the North American continent.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viking_Age
Because the North-West Europe tribes did not record information about their lives, not much is know about them. What is known was recorded by the Romans. The West Germani clashed with the Romans in the 2nd century AD, the East Germani in the 4th century AD, and the North Germani or Vikings existed during the Viking Age or Era .
Although Norsemen orignally tried to be farmers and fisherman, their rugged and infertile land caused them to turn to trading and/or piracy to survive.
Usborne Illustrated Guide to Norse Myths & Legends; Cheryl Evans and Anne Millard; Usbone Publishing Ltd. Copyright 2002, 1986.
http://home.exetel.com.au/manxman/vikings/dragonships
The Vikings
Vikings
Norse Mythology
Norse Family Tree
*Who Were the Vikings?
*Usborne Starting Point History, Who Were the Vikings?; Jane Chishom & Struan Reid; Usborne Publishing Ltd.; Copyright 2002, 1995.