The Siege of Paris
The Siege of Paris in 885-886 was one of the most significant events in the Viking Age. The Frankish city of Paris, situated on an island in the River Seine, was a major Target for Viking raiders.
In 845, Vikings had sacked Paris and its surrounding areas, taking many prisoners and treasures with them. Forty years later, they returned for another attack.
During the siege, the Vikings set up camp outside the walls and began their assault. They launched multiple attacks on both land and water but were unable to penetrate the city’s defenses. The Franks had built strong fortifications around their capital city, including walls and bridges that were difficult to cross.
Ragnar Lothbrok
According to legend, one of the Viking leaders during the Siege of Paris was none other than Ragnar Lothbrok. Ragnar was a legendary Norse hero who had raided many lands throughout his lifetime. He is also known as the father of some famous Viking warriors such as Bjorn Ironside and Ivar the Boneless.
It is said that Ragnar led his warriors in an attempt to capture Paris by crossing a bridge over the Seine river. However, he was unsuccessful due to an unexpected attack by Frankish soldiers who were hiding beneath the bridge.
The Role of Rollo
Rollo was another prominent Viking leader during this time. He is believed to have been a Norse nobleman who later became Duke of Normandy after pledging allegiance to King Charles III of France.
Rollo played a significant role in ending the Siege of Paris. He negotiated peace with Charles III by agreeing to defend France against other Viking attacks in exchange for receiving land and titles.
Conclusion
While there is debate about the exact involvement of Ragnar Lothbrok in the Siege of Paris, it is clear that the Vikings were unable to conquer the city. Instead, they eventually negotiated with the Franks and left with a large sum of silver and gold.
The Siege of Paris was a significant event in Viking history, and it highlighted their ability to conduct large-scale attacks on well-fortified cities. It also demonstrated the importance of diplomacy in ending conflicts between nations.
- Key Takeaways:
- The Siege of Paris was a significant Viking attack on the Frankish capital city.
- Ragnar Lothbrok and Rollo were two prominent Viking leaders during this time.
- Rollo negotiated peace with Charles III, which ultimately ended the siege.
Overall, the Siege of Paris remains a fascinating chapter in Viking history and continues to capture our imagination today.