The Peace Agreement Between Charles the Bald…

The Peace Agreement Between Charles the Bald and Nominoe (846): The Recognition of Breton Autonomy

Following his defeat at the Battle of Ballon (845), Charles the Bald marches on Brittany again in the summer of 846. However, instead of engaging in further military action, he negotiates a peace settlement with Nominoe, the de facto ruler of Brittany.

The Terms of the Peace Agreement

While the exact details of the peace settlement remain uncertain, historical sources suggest:

• Nominoe and Charles exchange oaths, likely formalizing Breton autonomy under nominal Frankish overlordship.
• Prudentius of Troyes refers to Nominoe as "Duke" (dux) of the Bretons, possibly indicating that Charles officially recognizes Nominoe as ruler in exchange for his acknowledgment of Frankish suzerainty.
• As part of the arrangement, Nominoe demands the removal of Lambert II of Nantes, a Frankish noble who had been an opponent of Breton interests.
• Charles removes Lambert from Nantes and relocates him to another region, weakening his influence over Breton affairs.

Significance of the 846 Agreement

• While Charles nominally retains overlordship, this agreement effectively solidifies Nominoe’s independent rule over Brittany.
• By securing Lambert’s removal, Nominoe eliminates a powerful Frankish rival, further consolidating his authority.
• This diplomatic resolution temporarily ends the Frankish-Breton conflict, though tensions will later resurface as Breton expansion into Frankish territory continues.

Aftermath and the Path Toward Breton Sovereignty

• In the following years, Nominoe continues to strengthen Brittany, even launching further campaigns into Frankish lands.
• By 850, Brittany will no longer be merely a semi-autonomous duchy but will begin functioning as a fully independent entity, defying Carolingian control.

Thus, while the 846 settlement represents a temporary peace, it is a major step toward Breton independence, marking the beginning of Brittany’s long resistance against Frankish rule.