Treaty of Saint-Clair-sur-Epte facts for kids
The Treaty of Saint-Clair-sur-Epte was an important agreement signed in the autumn of 911. It was a deal made between Charles the Simple, who was the King of the West Franks, and Rollo, a powerful leader of the Vikings. This treaty helped to create what we now know as Normandy in France.
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What Was the Treaty of Saint-Clair-sur-Epte?
The Treaty of Saint-Clair-sur-Epte was a peace agreement. It was signed to stop the fierce attacks by the Vikings on the kingdom of Charles the Simple. The Vikings, also known as "Northmen," had been raiding and causing trouble for a long time.
Who Were the Main People Involved?
The two main people in this treaty were:
- Charles the Simple: He was the King of the West Franks. His kingdom was often attacked by Vikings.
- Rollo: He was a strong leader of a group of Vikings. His warriors had attacked many places in France, including Paris and Chartres.
Why Was This Treaty Signed?
In 911, Rollo and his Vikings attacked important cities like Paris and Chartres. After a big battle near Chartres on August 26, King Charles decided it was time to try and make peace. He wanted to protect his kingdom from more Viking invasions.
So, King Charles sent his trusted advisor, Hervé, who was the Archbishop of Reims, to talk with Rollo. These talks led to the important agreement known as the Treaty of Saint-Clair-sur-Epte.
What Did the Treaty Say?
The treaty had several key parts:
- Land for Rollo: King Charles gave Rollo a large area of land. This land was between the Epte River and the sea. This area is very similar to what is now Upper Normandy.
- Rollo's Loyalty: In return for the land, Rollo promised to be loyal to King Charles. This meant he would help the king defend his kingdom with his Viking warriors.
- Brittany: The treaty also said that Rollo would get control over Brittany. At that time, Brittany was an independent region that the French king had not been able to control.
- Baptism and Marriage: As a sign of good faith, Rollo also agreed to become a Christian. He was baptized and also agreed to marry Gisela, who was a daughter of King Charles.
How Did Normandy Begin?
The land given to Rollo in the treaty became the start of the Duchy of Normandy. It was named after the "Northmen" (Vikings) who ruled it. Over time, this area grew larger, extending west beyond the Seine River.
What Happened to Brittany?
When the treaty was signed, another group of Vikings had taken over Brittany. Later, around 937, Alan II, the son of a former King of Brittany, returned from England. He managed to drive those Vikings out of Brittany by 939. During this time, the Cotentin Peninsula was lost by Brittany and became part of Normandy.
