The Vikings did raid throughout Europe but they were also international traders trading as far away as Istanbul and founding trading cities in Scandinavia, Ireland and England. At times Western European trade with Byzantium was possible only by Viking trade routes through Kiev and Russia. The Vikings were expert navigators, had the fastest ships of their time and possessed superior weapons and military training. They were explorers, traders, and settlers. In your study of the Vikings you may want to spend time learning how the Vikings navigated.
Norse mythology is as highly detailed as Roman or Greek mythology.
Reading about Norse mythology will give you insights into the Viking world view and will shed light on the way they lived. Viking history involves all of Europe at a time historians have labeled the dark ages. The Vikings built a rich civilization during these dark ages. They weren t the horn helmed berserk warriors of popular legend. Translations of primary sources, historical accounts and eyewitness accounts of how the Vikings lived.