Final answer:
The Vikings were renowned for their combat skills, utilizing both swords and axes in battle. They were not the only group in Europe to take prisoners during their raids. Their military operations and ability to navigate using advanced ships underpin their historical significance.
Step-by-step explanation:
Vikings' Reputation in Battle and Practices
The Vikings were known for their prowess in battle, which included the use of both swords and axes. They were skilled warriors who conducted raids across Europe, and contrary to the common depiction of them as only ferocious raiders, they were also engaged in farming, craftsmanship, and trade. The Vikings developed extensive trade routes by navigating Europe's waterways, ventured as far as North America before Columbus, and provided services as mercenaries, such as the Varangians serving the Byzantine Emperor.
In terms of their military operations, the Vikings were not the only fighters in Europe who took prisoners; their raids often targeted monasteries and settlements in search of riches such as silver and slaves, which indicates they also took captives. The Viking military organized into larger forces as time passed, attacking major European cities with fleets of ships. They were infamous for their swift raids and their ability to sail into shallow waters, thanks to the ingenious design of their longships, meant for both trading and warfare.
Therefore, the correct answer to the question regarding what the Vikings were known for is a. using both swords and axes in battle, as including the option of being the only fighters to take prisoners would be inaccurate. While they did take prisoners, they were certainly not the sole group to do so in Europe. Overall, the Vikings are widely recognized for their martial skills alongside their other cultural and economic activities.