Rollo Worksheets
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Table of Contents
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Summary
- Origins
- Viking Invasion of France
- Treaty of Saint-Clair-sur-Epte
- Rule in Normandy
- Death and Legacy
Key Facts And Information
Let’s know more about Rollo!
Rollo was a Viking chief who became the first leader of Normandy in the early 10th century. He started as a raider, attacking lands in France, but later made peace with King Charles the Simple. In 911, they signed the Treaty of Saint-Clair-sur-Epte, which gave Rollo land in northern France. In return, he agreed to become Christian and help protect the kingdom from other Viking attacks. Under his rule, the Vikings mixed with the local people, creating the Norman culture. His descendants, including William the Conqueror, became important rulers in Europe.
Rollo
Origins of Rollo
- Rollo’s origins are unclear but most historians agree that he was born in Scandinavia, either in Norway or Denmark, in the mid-9th century. The confusion about his birthplace comes from how Vikings were described in old records. Medieval writers used broad terms like ‘Danes’, ‘Northmen’ or ‘Norwegians’, making it difficult to determine exactly where he was from.
- His name is also debated. A 13th-century Norse saga, Heimskringla, calls him Hrolfr the Walker because he was supposedly too large for a horse to carry. Some believe ‘Rollo’ is the Latin version of Hrolfr or another Norse name, Hrollaugr. Other sources say he was later baptised as Robert after converting to Christianity.
Different ideas about Rollo’s origins:
- From Denmark: A historian named Dudo of Saint-Quentin wrote that Rollo came from Dacia, which in medieval times could mean either Denmark or Sweden. Dudo said Rollo’s father was a Danish nobleman, and after his father died, Rollo’s brother Gurim was killed by a Danish king, forcing Rollo to flee.
- From Norway: Some writers, including Geoffrey Malaterra (11th century) and William of Malmesbury (12th century), claimed that Rollo was from Norway.
- From More, Norway: Icelandic sagas, like Heimskringla, say Rollo was from More, a region in western Norway. They say he was the son of Rognvald Eysteinsson, Jarl of More, and Hildr Hrolfsdottir. However, these sagas were written long after Rollo lived, so they may not be completely accurate.
- Scotland Connection: Some sources claim Rollo spent time in northern Scotland before going to France, and had a daughter named Cadlinar (Kathleen). Some historians think he might have been related to Ketill Flatnose, a Viking ruler of the Scottish Isles, but there is no solid proof.
Viking Invasion of France
- The Viking invasions of France were a series of attacks and land takeovers that troubled the Frankish rulers. One key Viking leader was Rollo, who later became the first ruler of Normandy.
- Historians are not sure exactly when Rollo first arrived in France. Dudo of Saint-Quentin claimed that Rollo took over Rouen in 876 CE, but many believe he actually arrived later. At that time, Viking groups had already attacked and destroyed many towns along the Seine River, forcing local leaders to either fight back or make deals with them.
- One of the men trying to stop the Vikings was Robert of the Breton March, who led battles against them. His army nearly destroyed Rouen and other Viking-controlled areas. However, in the end, he was forced to give up some coastal land to the Vikings, which may have included areas later ruled by Rollo.
Viking Siege of Paris
- Rollo’s Viking warriors carried out many attacks along the Seine River, raiding deep into Frankish lands. He is also linked to the capture of Bayeux, where he reportedly took Poppa, the daughter of a local nobleman, as his wife. This may have been part of his effort to gain power by marrying into an important family.
- By the late 9th and early 10th centuries, Viking raids were no longer just quick attacks for treasure. They were turning into efforts to settle permanently. Instead of returning to Scandinavia after each raid, leaders like Rollo set up permanent bases and took control of land.
- One of the most important battles involving Rollo happened in 911 CE, when the Frankish leader Robert I of France defeated the Vikings at the Battle of Chartres. After this loss, Rollo realised that while the Vikings were strong, they could not keep fighting forever. The Franks had become better at defending themselves, so Rollo had to find a different way to secure land.
- After losing at Chartres, Rollo changed his approach. Instead of continuing to raid, he started negotiating with Frankish rulers. This led to the Treaty of Saint-Clair-sur-Epte in 911 CE, where Rollo was given control over Normandy in exchange for agreeing to protect the region from other Viking attacks.
Treaty of Saint-Clair-sur-Epte
- The Treaty of Saint-Clair-sur-Epte was a deal made in 911 CE between King Charles III of France (Charles the Simple) and the Viking leader. It stopped Viking attacks in northern France and led to the creation of Normandy.
What was in the Treaty?
- Rollo received land. King Charles gave him a large area of land in northern France, near the Seine River. This land became known as Normandy, meaning ‘Land of the Northmen’.
- Rollo had to protect the kingdom. In return for this land, Rollo promised to stop other Vikings from attacking France. His warriors would defend the coastline and the Seine River.
- Rollo became a Christian. The Viking leader and his men agreed to convert to Christianity and accept the rule of the Frankish king.
- Loyalty to the king. Rollo became a vassal of King Charles, meaning he had to serve the king and be loyal to him.
- Marriage to a French princess. To strengthen their alliance, Charles gave his daughter Gisela to Rollo as his wife. Some historians are unsure if she was really his daughter, but the marriage was meant to bring peace between the Franks and the Vikings.
Charles giving his daughter to Rollo
Why was the Treaty important?
- The Treaty of Saint-Clair-sur-Epte was more than just a peace agreement. It changed history. It helped end Viking raids in France, created Normandy and led to the rise of the Normans, who would later become one of the most powerful groups in Europe.
What were the effects of the Treaty?
- Viking raids decreased. Because Rollo and his warriors protected the land, Viking attacks in the area almost stopped.
- The birth of Normandy. The land given to him became the Duchy of Normandy, where the Vikings slowly adopted French customs and language.
- The rise of the Normans. Rollo’s descendants became powerful rulers. His great-great-grandson, William the Conqueror, later invaded England in 1066 and became King of England.
Rollo's Rule in Normandy
- After the Treaty of Saint-Clair-sur-Epte, Rollo became the first ruler of Normandy. He gave his warriors land and made them guard it in order to keep them loyal. He also encouraged them to marry local women and follow French customs. He built strong fortresses to stop enemy attacks.
- Even after settling in Normandy, Rollo still took part in battles. In 923 CE, when King Charles III lost his throne, Rollo and his army tried to help him. When they reached the Oise River, the new Frankish rulers stopped them. Instead of fighting Rollo, they offered him more land if he stayed out of the conflict. This allowed Rollo to expand his territory without going to war again.
- By the late 920s, Rollo gained more land in Bessin and Maine, expanding control further west. This was one of the final steps in the Viking invasion of France.
- According to a story by Dudo of Saint-Quentin, Rollo had a dream where he stood on a tall mountain above a Frankish city. In the dream, he washed himself in a stream, cleansing his ‘diseases’, which symbolised the removal of his sins. Birds of different kinds gathered around him, representing the different people who would follow him. This dream was seen as a sign that Rollo should accept Christianity. As part of his agreement with King Charles, he was baptised and officially became a Christian.
- After his baptism, he supported Christianity in Normandy. He gave land to churches, helped build monasteries, and encouraged his men to become Christians. However, some historians think he converted more for political reasons than personal belief.
- Rollo also focused on creating law and order in Normandy. The famous writer Voltaire even called Rollo ‘the only lawmaker of his time in Christian Europe’, meaning that his leadership was rare and important.
Death and Legacy of Rollo
- As Rollo got older, he slowly gave up control of Normandy. By the late 920s, he passed most of his power to his son, William Longsword, but still had some influence. Even after stepping back, he continued to expand his land.
- Rollo died in 933, though no one knows the exact date. Some say he passed away peacefully in Normandy, while others believe he lived long enough to see his son fully take charge. He was likely buried in the Cathedral of Rouen, the main city of Normandy.
- Rollo made a big impact on history. One of his greatest achievements was securing land for his people. By agreeing to the Treaty of Saint-Clair-sur-Epte, Rollo secured a permanent home for the Vikings. Over time, his descendants adopted French culture, leading to the rise of the Normans, who mixed Viking strength with French traditions.
- Rollo’s family stayed in power because of their strong army and because French nobles were too busy fighting each other to stop them. After Rollo’s death, his descendants ruled Normandy for over 100 years, making it one of the strongest regions in France.
- In 1135, Stephen of Blois became King of England and Duke of Normandy, ending Rollo’s direct family rule. Later, Normandy became part of the Angevin Empire when Geoffrey of Anjou married Matilda of England, a descendant of Rollo.
- Even after Rollo’s family lost control of Normandy, his influence continued. His great-great-great-grandson, William the Conqueror, led the Norman invasion of England in 1066 and became king. This event connected Normandy and England, changing European history for centuries.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rollo
- Who was Rollo the Viking?
Rollo was a Norse Viking leader who became the first ruler of Normandy in the early 10th century. In 911, the French King Charles the Simple granted him land through the Treaty of Saint-Clair-sur-Epte in exchange for protecting the region from further Viking raids.
- Did Rollo become the Duke of Normandy?
Rollo is often called the first Duke of Normandy, though the title "duke" was not officially used until later. He founded the House of Normandy, and his descendants included William the Conqueror, who became King of England in 1066.
- Did Rollo convert to Christianity?
Yes. As part of his agreement with King Charles the Simple, Rollo was baptised as a Christian and adopted the name Robert. However, some sources suggest he may have still practised some Norse traditions.