Viking Invasions and Establishment of Normandy

Viking Invasions Overview

  • 843 A.D.: Northmen invaded Nantes, killing clergy and pillaging the city; settled on Isle of Rhé for winter.

  • 844 A.D.: They ascended Garonne River, pillaging lands, and faced resistance in Spain; some defeated by crossbowmen, others in storms.

  • 845 A.D.: Charles the Bald paid Northmen off with 7,000 livres to curb their advance; Euric, king of Northmen, attacked Louis of Germany but was defeated by Saxons.

Continued Attacks and Resistance

  • 846 A.D.: Danish pirates conquered Frisia and demanded contributions from locals.

  • 847 A.D.: Northmen gained victories in Britain; Noménoé managed to buy them off.

  • 853-854 A.D.: Danish pirates attacked Tours, burning it; disaster for inhabitants as St. Martin's body was relocated for safety.

  • 855 A.D.: Attack on Orleans; Danish pirates retreated after defeat by Aquitanians; later came back to Angers.

Siege of Paris

  • 885 A.D.: Northmen arrived with 700 ships ; siege led by Siegfried began, Odo defended the city.

  • Odo repelled attacks with the support of Parisians and rebuilt defenses overnight.

  • Emperor Charles sent help, allowing Northmen to pillage Sens as a temporary agreement.

Establishment of Normandy

  • Charles initially offered Rollo Flanders but he refused; accepted Normandy instead.

  • Rollo never bent knee to Charles; he had a warrior kiss the king's foot instead.

  • 912 A.D.: Rollo baptized by archbishop of Rouen, marking Christianization of Northmen.

  • Rollo initiated reforms in Normandy, restoring churches and developing the countryside.