Rollo (860?-930?), a Viking leader, was the ancestor of many Norman dukes and English kings. In 911, he became a Frankish (or French) count and the first ruler of what eventually became the duchy of Normandy in northwestern France.
Historians know little about Rollo’s early life. His name was probably Hrolf, but the French called him Rollo. He was probably born in what is now Norway and may have led raids in Scotland or Ireland, before he shifted his attention to France in the early 900’s. He soon became a leader among the mostly Danish Viking groups raiding western France.
In 911, Rollo and the Frankish king, Charles III, reached an agreement that became known as the treaty of St. Claire-sur-Epte. Charles granted Rollo land near the mouth of the Seine River. Rollo swore allegiance to the king and converted to Christianity. Charles hoped that Rollo, now with French lands of his own to protect, would help defend France from other Viking raiders. Rollo built up the defenses of the cities he controlled and granted lands to the leaders of his army. But after a few years, he began to raid nearby land and expand his territory. Although Rollo had sworn allegiance to the king, he acted as a nearly independent ruler.
By the early 1000’s, Rollo’s descendants adopted the title Duke of Normandy. Rollo’s great-great-great grandson Duke William of Normandy conquered England in 1066 and became known as William the Conqueror.
