The Vikings, also known as the Norsemen, were notorious for their seafaring and raiding activities in Europe during the 8th to 11th centuries. They are often depicted as fierce warriors and plunderers who struck fear in the hearts of their enemies.
Among their many Targets was Paris, the capital of France. But did Vikings really attack Paris Let’s explore the historical evidence and find out.
The Siege of Paris
In 845 AD, a large fleet of Viking ships sailed up the Seine River and arrived at Paris. The city was then under the rule of Emperor Charles the Bald, who had inherited it from his father Charlemagne.
The Vikings demanded tribute from the citizens of Paris in exchange for not attacking the city. However, Charles refused to pay and instead gathered his army to defend against the invaders.
The Vikings then began a siege of Paris that lasted for over a year. They built fortifications on both sides of the Seine River to prevent any supplies from reaching the city. They also launched several attacks on Paris but were repelled by the defenders, who poured boiling oil and tar on them from above.
The Treaty of Saint-Clair-sur-Epte
After months of stalemate, a treaty was finally reached between Charles and the Viking leader Ragnar Lothbrok (or Ragnar Lodbrok). According to legend, Ragnar had entered into Paris disguised as a beggar and had been captured by Charles’ men. However, he managed to escape and later negotiated with Charles for safe passage back to his homeland.
The treaty was signed at Saint-Clair-sur-Epte in 911 AD. It granted land around Rouen (in present-day Normandy) to Ragnar’s followers in exchange for their help in defending against other Viking raids. This territory would later become known as Normandy (from “Norsemen’s land”).
The Veracity of the Siege
While the Siege of Paris is widely accepted as a historical event, some scholars have questioned its details. For example, the exact identity of the Viking leader(s) who attacked Paris is unclear, as different sources mention different names. Some also argue that the siege may have been exaggerated or fictionalized in later accounts for propaganda purposes.
However, recent archaeological discoveries have provided evidence to support the siege’s veracity. In 2016, excavations at the Rueil-Malmaison site (near Paris) revealed traces of Viking encampments and fortifications dating back to the 9th century. These findings suggest that Vikings did indeed besiege Paris and were involved in military activities in the surrounding area.
The Legacy of Vikings in France
Regardless of its historical accuracy, the Siege of Paris has become a popular subject in art, literature, and popular culture. It has inspired numerous films, TV shows, and video games featuring Viking warriors and their raids on French soil.
Moreover, Vikings have left a lasting impact on France’s culture and language. Many French words related to seafaring and navigation (such as “mer” for sea and “bateau” for boat) are derived from Old Norse, the language spoken by Vikings. Norman French, spoken in Normandy and other regions influenced by Viking settlement, also has Norse elements.
In conclusion, while there may be some uncertainty surrounding the details of their attack on Paris, it is clear that Vikings played a significant role in shaping France’s history and culture. Their legacy lives on today in many ways beyond just their raiding activities.