The Viking Age, which lasted from about 793 to 1066 AD, had a big impact on trade and exploration in Europe. Here are some key ways it influenced the world:

1. Trade Networks:

   • Vikings set up long trade routes that linked Scandinavia (the home of the Vikings) with places in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.
   • Important trading cities were Novgorod, Constantinople, and Dublin.
   • Vikings sold items like furs, wood, and amber. They bought things like silver, spices, and textiles in return.

2. Maritime Advances:

   • The Vikings built special ships called longships. These ships could sail in both deep oceans and shallow rivers, which helped them explore and trade more easily.
   • Thanks to their shipbuilding skills, Vikings traveled great distances. They even reached parts of North America and the Caspian Sea!

3. Cultural Exchange:

   • When Vikings interacted with different cultures, they shared ideas, new technologies, and goods with each other.
   • By the year 1000 AD, the Viking trade routes helped cities like Hamburg and York grow and thrive.

In summary, the Viking Age created important trade connections that shaped medieval Europe.