Summary of Levi Roach's Empires of the Normans

Please note: This is a companion version & not the original book.

Sample Book Insights:

#1 The River Epte marked the boundary between the Viking host and the French court. Rollo, the Viking leader, demanded all the territory between the Epte and the sea, but King Charles reluctantly agreed. Rollo publicly placed his hands within those of the king, in the ritual act of commendation.

#2 The Vikings had burst on the scene in the late eighth century, when they began a series of raids on western Europe’s exposed coastlines. They had many incentives to travel overseas, including the creation of new kingdoms within Scandinavia.

#3 The first secure evidence of the presence of the Vikings in what would become Normandy comes from charters issued in the name of King Charles. In 905, Charles granted eleven serfs at Pîtres to his chancellor, Ernustus. The Vikings were making their presence felt, and the royal writ did not run within their domains.

#4 Rollo’s settlement with Charles in 918 was a success, and he was able to profit from the resulting turmoil. However, his loyalty to Charles was not simply loyalty, but also profit. When Raoul made peace with Rollo in 924, he had to buy him off with Maine and the Bessin to the west.