Final answer:
The Vikings moved out of Scandinavia to take advantage of Europe's economy, exploit new trade opportunities, and seek treasure. They utilized their advanced seafaring technology and longships to conduct raids and establish settlements, which had a lasting impact on European history.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Vikings began to move outside of the Scandinavian regions around 793 for several reasons, including seeking new wealth and opportunities. One key reason was that the Scandinavian region had become increasingly significant economically due to a flow of wealth from trading goods such as furs, timber, fish, and amber. This newfound wealth piqued the Norse leaders' interest in sources of this wealth, leading them to explore and raid outside Scandinavia.
In addition, the Vikings developed superior seafaring technology, enabling them to journey across the waterways of Europe efficiently. Their advances included the addition of sails to their longships, making them swift and versatile for both trading and raiding. The ambition to exploit Europe's riches, raid treasure, and eventually seek new lands to settle strongly motivated the Vikings' ventures outside Scandinavia. Thus, option D, 'they wanted to take advantage of Europe's economy,' is the best answer from the choices provided.
The Vikings' actions had significant implications. They established settlements in many parts of Europe, including Normandy in France and throughout the British Isles, and engaged in extensive trade as far as the Abbasid Caliphate. Their movements and settlements contributed to the shaping of European history and commerce during the Middle Ages.