IN 911:Charles the Simple cedes Normandy to the Vikings
Rollo and his men, originally from the north (Norway or Denmark), are Vikings thirsty for new lands. In 911, they attacked the city of Chartres and were repelled by Robert, the Marquis of Neustria. To calm tensions and integrate the Viking people, considered a hostile threat, King Charles III the Simple gave Rollo the territory of what is now Normandy. In exchange, Rollo must protect the kingdom of the Franks, convert to Christianity and promise loyalty to the king.
The term “Vikings” is not used at this time and the Franks call this people “men from the north” or “pagans” (non-Christians). This is why the descendants of the Vikings will later be called the Normans and the territory Normandy.
IN 1066:William the Conqueror is crowned King of England
The Norman Duke William the Conqueror (Descendant of Rollo, also called William the Bastard or William of Normandy) invades England. On October 14, 1066, he fought King Harold Godwinson of England at Hasting. Harold is killed and the Normans are victorious. William the Conqueror is then crowned king, because he had made the promise to the English king Edward the Confessor. He had many fortified castles built and granted land to all the powerful nobles who promised him obedience.
FROM 1130 TO 1204:The Normans become masters of Sicily and southern Italy
In 1130, the Norman count Roger II became king of Sicily. For nearly 60 years, Norman kings ruled the island as well as southern Italy.