William the Conqueror

Normandy in the 10th Century

Originally a part of Charlemagne's empire, Normandy was fairly wealthy, with lots of monasteries and small towns. Lying on the northern coast of France, it became a favorite and easy target for Vikings in the 9thc. It lost most of its monasteries and was not much of a prize when a Viking came to the King of the West Franks in 911 with a proposal.

The Viking was Rolf, a Norwegian with many men at his command. He offered to defend the coast against other Vikings in return for a title. And, naturally, he and his people would convert to Christianity. So, Rolf the Viking became Duke of Normandy, and the King of the West Franks breathed a deep sigh of relief.

The inhabitants were Vikings, but most people simply referred to them as the North Men. The land given to them took their name: Normandy. In both France and England, Norman is also a common first name.

History of Western Civilization

E.L. Skip Knox
Boise State University

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