Vikings / Famous Vikings / Rollo

Rollo

First ruler of Normandy

Rollo
HistoricalRaiders and warlordsNormans
In Old Norse
Hrólfr (Göngu-Hrólfr)
Lived
c. 860 – c. 930
Role
First ruler of Normandy

Rollo was a Viking leader on the lower Seine who became the founder of Normandy. After his defeat at Chartres in 911, King Charles the Simple granted him Rouen and the surrounding country by the agreement of Saint-Clair-sur-Epte, in return for baptism and defence of the Seine against other Vikings. He extended his territory westward in 924 and passed it to his son William Longsword. His descendants became dukes of Normandy and, through William the Conqueror, kings of England.

Known for

  • Treaty of Saint-Clair-sur-Epte, 911
  • Founder of the duchy of Normandy at Rouen
  • Ancestor of William the Conqueror

In the story

Places

123
  1. 1Rouen, France
  2. 2Chartres, France
  3. 3Saint-Clair-sur-Epte, France
Open the map →