The Siege of Paris Ends - March 29, 845

On March 29, 845, the Siege of Paris concluded with Norse forces, led by the legendary Viking chieftain Ragnar Lothbrok, accepting a substantial payment to withdraw from the city. This moment marked a significant event during the Viking Age, illustrating the growing impact of Viking incursions into Frankish territories.

Context and Background

The Vikings, seafaring Norse people from Scandinavia, had been raiding across Europe since the late 8th century. Their swift and unexpected attacks on coastal settlements and river cities sought both plunder and prestige. The Siege of Paris in 845 was one such notable raid in a series of escalating incursions into the Frankish Empire.

Ragnar Lothbrok

Ragnar Lothbrok is a semi-legendary figure, often depicted in Norse sagas as both a legendary warrior and a cunning leader. The siege of 845 is one of the first events to attribute Ragnar as a historical figure, linking him directly to the attack on Paris.

The Siege

Nature of the Attack

In early 845, Ragnar led a fleet of 120 Viking ships with thousands of warriors up the Seine River, penetrating deep into the Frankish heartland. The city of Paris, strategically situated on the Île de la Cité, was a tempting and prestigious target for the raiders.

Defensive Measures

Despite attempts by Charles the Bald, the King of West Francia, to defend the city, the Frankish forces were ill-prepared for the Viking onslaught. The defenders were quickly overwhelmed. Fear of Ragnar’s reputation, compounded by the speed and ferocity of the attack, resulted in relatively little resistance.

The Outcome

The siege culminated on March 29, 845, when Ragnar decided to accept a hefty ransom of 7,000 pounds of silver and gold from Charles the Bald. This payment, known as “Danegeld,” was intended to ensure the Vikings would leave Paris and not return, albeit temporarily.

Consequences

• Immediate Aftermath: The payment ensured the temporary safety of Paris, though it highlighted the vulnerability of the Carolingian Empire’s defenses to Viking raids.
• Long-term Impact: This event set a precedent for future payments to Viking raiders, effectively encouraging more incursions. It also contributed to the eventual establishment of Normans in France later in the 10th century.

Historical Significance

The Siege of Paris in 845 underscored the formidable threat posed by Viking warriors during this period. It signaled the need for improved defenses and strategic responses to recurring Norse raids across Europe. The event also cemented Ragnar Lothbrok’s legacy in historical and mythic narratives, illustrating the blend of factual and legendary perspectives that characterize much of what is known about the Viking Age.