Overpopulation
Although there hasn't been any conclusive proof of population growth yet, some historians contend that the Vikings departed Scandinavia because of overcrowding. Forced migration and raiding have frequently been blamed on too many people competing for the same limited resources throughout history. Another factor supporting the theory that the Vikings came to Western Europe in search of better agriculture was overpopulation. They established towns in locations with lower populations, where they could have enough resources without having to engage in fierce competition, such as modern-day York and Dublin. The lack of resources at home would have found the perfect remedy in this.
Vikings originated in Scandinavia, which today includes Denmark, Sweden, and Norway. Geographical factors including congestion, internal strife, and environmental circumstances made it difficult for the Vikings to survive in Scandinavia. Sweden was largely covered with forests, therefore people built their homes out of wood. As in Norway, where the terrain is primarily hilly and the temperature rarely rises over 10 degrees Celsius, life was challenging for the Norsemen.
Sandy soil, particularly in Denmark, made farming look impractical. Since the majority of Vikings were farmers, sandy soil did not produce well for them. Additionally, according to Viking family custom, only the eldest son may inherit parental estates. The younger members were forced to relocate to make a life. In Scandinavia, the population grew to 800,000–1,000,000 people during 800–1000 A.D. The carrying capacity of the land needed to be further separated into farming and residential areas due to social organizations. Only farming, fishing, or small-scale trading could not provide for the fast increasing population. They set out on long journeys in pursuit of better territories and riches that may provide them with economic stability. As a result, the Vikings started large-scale invasions in England, which were thereafter carried out in its neighboring states.
