| Prior to the Norman occupation of England (1066), both the Saxons and the Celtic Britons ruled many areas and fought with the invading Vikings. |
Towards the end of the ninth century, the Viking raiders from Northern Europe (commonly known as Norsemen) were regularly foraging (raiding and trading) along the coast line of the Frankish (German) kingdoms. |
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911 The Frankish King Charles the Simple grants the Viking Rollo land in what is now northern France. This land became known as "Normandy" and the people who lived there were known as the "Normans."
1047 Nineteen year old, William the Bastard wins his first major engagement at the battle of Val Es Dunes on the Norman / Frankish border.
1066 Duke William of Normandy (obviously didn’t like his old nickname) invaded England putting an end to the 500 years of mixed rule and years of Viking conflict.
1084 Germans attack Rome; the Norman armies drive back the Germans and save the Pope only to raid Rome themselves.
1099 Norman led crusaders, following Pope Urban II's orders, capture Jerusalem and massacre the occupants.
1204 French King Phillip II invades and conquers Normandy. |
| Most of the Normans in England decide to stay there and become English. |
Most of the Normans in France become French. The Normans themselves effectively cease to exist. |
