Viking Raids in Northern France Led to the Duchy of Normandy

Beginning in the 700s AD, northern France faced assaults from Viking raiders, resulting in two sieges of Paris, the creation of the Duchy of Normandy, and the subsequent Norman invasion of England. The initial Scandinavian vessels were recorded in 799. A Viking fleet raided Rouen in 841. In 845, Ragnar Lothbrok laid siege to Paris, prompting King Charles the Bald to pay 7,000 livres for their withdrawal. Count Odo successfully defended Paris from another siege in 885. In 911, King Charles the Simple entered into the Treaty of Saint-Clair-sur-Epte with Rollo, who received land near Rouen. Rollo then fortified Rouen and brought stability. Following Edward the Confessor's death in January 1066, Duke William claimed the English throne and triumphed over Harold Godwinson at the Battle of Hastings on October 14, 1066.