The Siege of Paris
The Siege of Paris was one of the most significant events in the history of the Vikings. It was a series of attacks on the city of Paris by a large group of Vikings led by their legendary leader, Ragnar Lothbrok.
Ragnar’s attack on Paris was not his first attempt to conquer the city. In fact, he had previously attacked Paris years ago but failed to capture it. However, this time he was better prepared and led a massive army consisting of thousands of Vikings from all over Scandinavia.
The Battle
Ragnar’s army arrived at the gates of Paris in the year 845 AD. The city was heavily fortified and guarded by a large army under the command of Charles the Bald, who was the King of West Francia at that time. Despite facing stiff resistance from the defenders, Ragnar managed to breach the walls and gain entry into the city.
According to some historical accounts, Ragnar and his army plundered and sacked Paris for days, taking whatever they could find, including gold, silver, precious stones, and other valuable items. They also took many prisoners, including several members of Charles’s family.
Did Ragnar Win
The question that arises now is whether Ragnar actually won Paris or not The answer is not straightforward as there are conflicting accounts regarding what happened next.
Some sources claim that after sacking Paris, Ragnar demanded a huge ransom from Charles in exchange for sparing his life and releasing his prisoners. Charles agreed to pay the ransom, and Ragnar left with his loot and prisoners without further conflict.
However, other sources tell a different story. According to these sources, Ragnar did not get away with his loot and prisoners so easily.
Instead, he was ambushed by Charles’s army on his way back to Scandinavia and suffered a crushing defeat. Some even claim that Ragnar was captured and executed by Charles himself.
The Legacy of Ragnar
Regardless of whether Ragnar won Paris or not, his attack on the city had a significant impact on the Vikings and their reputation. It showed that the Vikings were a force to be reckoned with and capable of conquering even the most heavily fortified cities.
Ragnar himself became a legendary figure in Viking history, with many stories and myths surrounding his life and exploits. He is also considered one of the most important figures in Norse mythology.
Conclusion
In conclusion, whether Ragnar won Paris or not remains a topic of debate among historians. However, what is certain is that his attack on the city had a profound impact on Viking history and culture, cementing their reputation as fierce warriors and conquerors.