Table of Contents
Why did the Vikings leave their homeland to attack and plunder other countries?
The predominant theory for the reasons for the raiding is that there was a population boom, and trading networks into Europe became established, the Vikings became aware of the wealth of their neighbors, both in silver and in land.
Did the Franks invade the Vikings?
The siege of Paris of 885–886 was part of a Viking raid on the Seine, in the Kingdom of the West Franks….
| Siege of Paris (885–886) | |
|---|---|
| Vikings | West Francia |
| Commanders and leaders | |
| Sigfred Sinric Rollo | Odo, Count of Paris Gozlin, Bishop of Paris Henry of Saxony † Charles the Fat |
| Strength |
What was happening in 845 CE?
Europe. March 28 or 29 (Easter) – Siege of Paris: Viking forces under the Norse chieftain Ragnar Lodbrok enter the River Seine, with a fleet of 120 longships (5,000 men). They pass through the city of Rouen and plunder the countryside. The Vikings also sack the cities of Hamburg and Melun.
Why did the Vikings leave their homeland?
The Vikings travelled thousands of miles across the sea from their homeland of Scandinavia where they were farmers, fishermen, seafarers and traders. Some historians believe the Vikings left their homes because of over crowding. There was not enough good land for everyone to share.
Why were the West Franks vulnerable to the Vikings?
The West Franks, ruled by Charles the Bald, were by far the most vulnerable. Threatened by the other Frankish kingdoms, separatists in Aquitaine and Brittany, and rebellious nobles, Charles struggled to fight back when the Vikings came. From 856, the Vikings focussed their attention on the Seine valley.
Where did the Vikings invade?
Within ten years, the Vikings began attacks along the North coast of France. Charlemagne, king of the Franks, set up a series of defenses along the coast to ward off these Viking raids. In the late 700s, the Vikings invaded the British Isles, including areas of Ireland and Scotland. They established a settlement in Ireland, known as Dublin.
How did the Frankish defeat the Vikings?
In 852, two of the Frankish kings united to tackle the Viking threat. Lothar of the Middle Franks teamed up with Charles the Bald to blockade the Viking camp at Jeufosse, cutting off their routes of supply and raiding, fighting off any attempts to break out.
How did Charles I of France react to the Vikings?
Threatened by the other Frankish kingdoms, separatists in Aquitaine and Brittany, and rebellious nobles, Charles struggled to fight back when the Vikings came. From 856, the Vikings focussed their attention on the Seine valley.