The Viking Age is typically regarded as having ended around 1066 AD, a date often associated with the Norman Conquest of England, which fundamentally altered the political landscape of Europe. This event signified the decline of Viking power as established kingdoms in Scandinavia transitioned from raiding and plundering to integrating into the growing network of European states. The latter part of the Viking Age saw significant shifts in Viking culture, marked by increased Christianization, the establishment of stable trade routes, and a movement towards sedentary agricultural lifestyles. Notable factors that contributed to the decline of the Viking Age include the consolidation of power among European monarchies, the increased fortification of towns, and the changing nature of warfare, which rendered traditional Viking raiding tactics less effective. The rise of centralized authorities in England, Denmark, and Norway also played a role in diminishing the influence of Viking leaders and their ability to conduct large-scale raids. Although the Vikings left a lasting legacy through their explorations and cultural contributions, the end of the Viking Age marked the conclusion of a transformative period in European history, as the Norse peoples began to assimilate into the broader Christian culture of medieval Europe.