language shows the lasting effect that the Viking settlements had in the British Isles, and DNA analysis shows the effect the Vikings had on the genetics of the countries where they settled. All of this gives valuable information, but the only reason we have non idea of the 'Vikings' as people is their appearance in the drawings found by archaeologists.
http://www.dightonrock.com/thevikingsneverhadanaythingtodow.htm
The first findings of Viking artifacts were found in the early 1060's. The first recorded raid on Britain was in 789 (three ships raided Portland). The last raid attempt was Harald Hardrada's in 1066 which failed spectacularly.
Archaeologist Patricia Sutherland (orange jacket) excavates a potential Viking site on Baffin Island.
