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The Vikings embarked on their first major expedition to raid Lindisfarne, an undefended island housing a monastery, in 793. This event marked the beginning of the Viking Age, introducing the Vikings to the world as formidable raiders.

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In 845, Vikings led by Ragnar Lodbrok sailed up the River Seine and laid siege to Paris. The city paid a large ransom to prevent its sacking, showcasing the Vikings’ power and their strategy of raiding for wealth.

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L'Anse aux Meadows, Newfoundland, Canada

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One of the furthest travels of the Vikings was to Newfoundland, Canada around 1000 AD. Led by Leif Erikson, they established a small settlement at L'Anse aux Meadows, marking the first European presence in North America, centuries before Columbus.

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Vikings began to explore the Mediterranean, raiding and trading around the 860s. They reached the coasts of modern Spain, France, Italy, and even sailed through the straits of Gibraltar to raid in the Muslim lands of North Africa.

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In the late 9th century, Vikings under Rollo were granted land by the French king in what would become Normandy. This agreement in 911 AD secured peace and marked the beginning of Norman history in France.

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The Vikings established a settlement at Kiev around mid-9th century, which became a crucial part of the trade routes between the Baltic and the Byzantine Empire. This eventually led to the establishment of the Kievan Rus', a vital foundation for Russian history.

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Vikings reached the shores of Sicily in the late 9th century, raiding coastal villages and engaging in trade. Their presence in southern Italy would influence the region's history significantly, intertwining with the Norman conquests of the 11th century.

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Iceland was discovered and settled by Norse Vikings in the late 9th century. Fleeing political strife in Norway, these settlers formed one of the world's first democratic parliaments, the Althing, establishing a unique society on this remote island.