Rollo, Count of Rouen

Rollo, also known as Hrólfr in Old Norse and Rollon in French, was a Viking leader who became the first ruler of Normandy, an area in northern France. He gained prominence after the Siege of Chartres in 911, when King Charles the Simple of West Francia ceded land to him in return for his pledge to cease raids, convert to Christianity, and protect the region from other Viking incursions. Rollo is recognized as the founder of the Duchy of Normandy, and his rule is documented from 918 until at least 928, when he was succeeded by his son, William Longsword.

Rollo’s lineage is subject to debate, with medieval sources offering conflicting accounts of whether his family was of Norwegian or Danish origin. His impact on history is significant, as his descendants, through intermarriage with the local population, became known as the Normans, who went on to rule significant territories in Europe and the Near East, including England, parts of Ireland, Sicily, and Antioch, from the 11th to 13th centuries.