Robert of Neustria: Guardian of Northern Francia and the Rise of the Robertians (866–921)

Robert of Neustria, born in 866, was the posthumous son of Robert the Strong, Count of Anjou, and the younger brother of King Odo of West Francia. As a leading Frankish noble, he played a crucial role in defending northern Francia from Viking incursions, ultimately setting the stage for the rise of the Capetian dynasty.

Background and Early Career

• Robert’s family, the Robertians, emerged as one of the most powerful noble houses in West Francia, with Paris as their center of power.
• Robert was present at the Siege of Paris in 885, fighting alongside his brother, Odo, against the Viking invasion.
• When Odo became king in 888, he appointed Robert as the ruler of several counties, including Paris, and granted him control over important abbeys.
• Robert also held the prestigious title of Dux Francorum (Duke of the Franks), making him one of the most powerful military commanders in the kingdom.

Loyalty to Charles the Simple (898–921)

• When Odo died in 898, Robert did not claim the West Frankish throne, instead recognizing Charles the Simple as king.
• In return for his loyalty, Charles confirmed Robert in his titles and lands, allowing him to continue his military campaigns against the Vikings.
• As Duke of the Franks, Robert defended northern Francia, leading several victories against Norse invaders.

Robert’s Victory Against the Vikings (921)

• In 921, Robert led an army against a large band of Norse raiders in the Loire Valley, delivering a decisive victory.
• Following their defeat, the Vikings converted to Christianity and settled near Nantes, further integrating Norse elements into West Francia.
• This victory enhanced Robert’s reputation, cementing his status as the kingdom’s foremost defender.

Tensions with Charles the Simple (921 Onward)

• The peace between Robert and Charles remains intact until about 921, when tensions begin to rise.
• Charles, increasingly influenced by his unpopular favorite, Hagano, alienates his nobles, including Robert.
• As Robert’s influence grows, his relationship with Charles deteriorates, setting the stage for conflict between the king and his most powerful vassal.

Legacy and the Rise of the Robertians

• Robert’s leadership in defending Francia from Viking incursions strengthens the Robertian dynasty, which will later culminate in the establishment of the Capetian monarchy in 987.
• His victories over the Norse, particularly in 921, showcase the declining power of the Carolingian kings and the increasing dominance of regional rulers like the Robertians.
• His eventual break with Charles the Simple will lead to open conflict, altering the course of West Frankish history.

Thus, by 921, Robert of Neustria stands as the most powerful noble in West Francia, a loyal defender of the kingdom but also a potential rival to Carolingian rule, foreshadowing the power struggles that will define the future of medieval France.

The Treaty of Bonn, which calls itself a "pact of friendship" (amicitia), is signed between Charles III of France and Henry I of Germany on November 7, 921, in a brisk ceremony aboard a ship in the middle of the Rhine not far from Bonn.

The use of the river, which is the border between their two kingdoms, as a neutral territory has extensive Carolingian precedents and was also used in classical antiquity and in contemporary Anglo-Saxon England.

The treaty recognizes the border of the two realms and the authority of their respective kings.

It confirms the legitimacy of Henry's election by the German princes and of Charles's rule over Lotharingia through the election by its princes.

In the treaty, Henry is titled rex Francorum orientalium (King of the East Franks) and Charles rex Francorum occidentalium (King of the West Franks) in recognition of the division it makes of the former Frankish Empire.

Charles and his bishops and counts sign first, both because he has been king longer and because he is of Carolingian stock.

The Revolt Against Charles the Simple (922): The Breaking Point

By 922, Charles the Simple has increasingly alienated his West Frankish nobles, particularly through his favoritism toward Hagano, a low-ranking Lotharingian noble who had become his closest advisor. The final straw comes when Charles grants the town of Chelles to Hagano, despite the fact that it is already held by Rothilde, daughter of Charles the Bald, prompting the nobility to rise in rebellion.

Growing Resentment Among the Nobility

• Hagano’s influence at court has been a source of noble discontent for years, as Charles granted him monastic benefices and lands at the expense of powerful lords.
• The loss of Richard of Burgundy in 921, one of Charles’ most loyal supporters, further weakens royal authority, leaving Charles politically vulnerable.
• The grant of Chelles to Hagano in 922—directly infringing on Rothilde’s holdings—is seen as an unjust violation of noble rights.

The West Frankish Revolt Against Charles (922)

• Enraged by Hagano’s growing power, the West Frankish barons rise in open rebellion against Charles.
• This revolt is not merely about Chelles, but a culmination of Charles’ alienation of the nobility.
• Charles now faces a full-scale aristocratic uprising, led by Robert of Neustria, the younger brother of King Odo and the most powerful noble in West Francia.

Consequences of the Revolt

• Charles' authority collapses as more nobles join Robert of Neustria, who is soon proclaimed king in opposition to Charles.
• This leads to the final confrontation between the Carolingians and the Robertians, marking a major turning point in the decline of Carolingian rule.
• With the loss of noble support, Charles’ reign is effectively doomed, paving the way for his eventual capture and imprisonment in 923.

Conclusion: The Beginning of the End for Carolingian Rule in West Francia

Charles’ favoritism toward Hagano, coupled with his alienation of the nobility, directly leads to his overthrow in 922. With Robert of Neustria rising in rebellion, the Carolingian dynasty in West Francia is on the brink of collapse, setting the stage for dynastic change and the transition to the Capetian era.

Rudolph of Burgundy’s Campaign Against Henry I of Germany and the Struggle for Lotharingia (923–924)

Upon his election as King of West Francia in 923, Rudolph of Burgundy’s first major act is to confront Henry I of Germany, the newly crowned King of East Francia, over the disputed region of Lotharingia (Lorraine). This reflects the continued struggle between East and West Francia over control of the former Middle Kingdom of Lothair II.

Background: Henry I’s Claim to Lotharingia

• Lotharingia had historically been a contested region, shifting between East and West Francia since the Treaty of Meerssen (870) and the Treaty of Ribemont (880).
• Before the death of Robert I, Henry I had made a compact with King Robert at Jülich in early 923, possibly negotiating peace over Lorraine.
• However, Rudolph, as the new king, does not honor this agreement and instead seeks to reassert West Frankish control over the region.

Rudolph’s Campaign and the Confrontation with Henry I (923–924)

• Rudolph marches into Lotharingia with a sizable army, seeking to annex the duchy into West Francia.
• Henry I, unwilling to let Lotharingia fall into West Frankish hands, gathers his forces to meet Rudolph in battle.
• Both armies face off in what seems to be a significant military engagement, but rather than escalating into war, the two kings negotiate peace again.

Outcome: A Renewed Peace Between West and East Francia

• Rudolph and Henry I reach a diplomatic settlement, though the terms remain unclear.
• Henry maintains control over Lotharingia, preventing its annexation into West Francia.
• The balance of power between the two kingdoms remains tense, as neither king is willing to allow full control of Lotharingia to the other.

Significance of Rudolph’s Failed Attempt to Annex Lorraine

• Continues the long-standing Carolingian-era struggle over Lotharingia, which remains a contested regionfor centuries.
• Prevents an outright war between West and East Francia, preserving a fragile peace in the early years of both kings’ reigns.
• Establishes Henry I as the stronger monarch, as his ability to defend Lotharingia reinforces East Francia’s dominance over the region.

Conclusion: A Diplomatic Defeat for Rudolph

While Rudolph’s attempt to take Lotharingia fails, his early military actions set the tone for his reign—one marked by struggles to consolidate power against both external threats like East Francia and internal challenges from feudal lords and Vikings. Meanwhile, Henry I strengthens East Francia’s position, setting the stage for its evolution into the Holy Roman Empire under his successors.

Viking Raids in West Francia and Rudolph’s Ambush at Fauquembergues (924)

By 924, Viking raiders launch a fresh wave of attacks on West Francia, continuing their persistent threat to the weakened Frankish kingdom. Their incursions target key regions, forcing King Rudolph of West Francia to finally take action. However, his delayed response, lack of noble support, and personal injury in battle expose the fragility of his rule.

The Viking Raids of 924

1. Initial Raids on the Loire Valley

   • The Vikings launch a new round of raids, advancing from their strongholds in the Loire Valley.
   • Their movements threaten Hugh the Great, the powerful Duke of the Franks and brother of Queen Emma, but Rudolph does nothing to intervene.

2. The Viking Assault on Burgundy

   • The Norsemen shift their attacks toward Burgundy, the domain of Rudolph’s own brother, but they are repulsed.
   • Pushed back, the Vikings move north toward Melun, dangerously close to the royal demesne, forcing Rudolph to act.

Rudolph’s Response and the Ambush at Fauquembergues

1. Recruiting Forces to Confront the Vikings

   • Only Herbert II of Vermandois and Rudolph’s ecclesiastical vassals initially support him, revealing the weakness of his noble alliances.
   • Hugh the Great, after some persuasion, eventually joins him, ensuring that the king has a larger military force to confront the Norse invaders.

2. Viking Withdrawal and the Battle at Fauquembergues

   • The Vikings, seeing the gathering Frankish forces, withdraw from Melun.
   • However, as they retreat, they are ambushed near Fauquembergues (near modern Pas-de-Calais).
   • The battle is fierce:
     • King Rudolph is wounded in the fighting.
     • The Count of Ponthieu is killed.
     • Many Normans are left dead on the battlefield, marking one of the few significant Frankish victories against the Vikings.

Rudolph and Louis the Blind Discuss the Magyar Threat (924)

• In the same year, Rudolph meets with Louis the Blind, King of Provence, to discuss the growing menace of the Magyars.
• The Magyars, newly arrived in Europe, pose a serious threat to Italy, Germany, and Burgundy, conducting devastating raids into the heart of the Frankish world.
• This meeting signals that West Francia is beginning to recognize the Magyar threat, though it will take decades before an effective response is mounted.

Consequences of the 924 Viking Raids and the Battle of Fauquembergues

1. Rudolph Proves Militarily Competent but Struggles for Noble Support

   • His delayed response to Viking raids, particularly his initial inaction in the Loire Valley, weakens his standing among the nobility.
   • However, his leadership in battle and personal injury at Fauquembergues enhance his military reputation.

2. West Francia Remains Politically Weak

   • The disunity of the Frankish nobles continues to hinder effective responses to external threats.
   • The Viking raids persist, taking advantage of Frankish instability.

3. The Emerging Magyar Threat

   • With Viking activity still ongoing, the Magyars present an additional danger to Francia’s eastern and southern borders.
   • This foreshadows the future conflicts that will consume East Francia and Italy, leading to major battles against the Magyars in the mid-10th century.

Conclusion: A Fragile Victory and a Kingdom Under Siege

The events of 924 highlight the continuing instability of West Francia under Rudolph’s reign. Though he manages to repulse the Vikings at Fauquembergues, his wounded authority and reliance on hesitant nobles show that royal power is declining. Meanwhile, as the Magyars threaten the borders of Europe, new challenges will soon overshadow the Viking menace, pushing the Carolingian successor states into greater military and political turmoil.

Rollo’s Expansion Westward: The Growth of Normandy (922–924)

Following the Treaty of Saint-Clair-sur-Epte (911), Rollo, the Viking ruler of Normandy, had fulfilled his oath to defend the shores of the Seine River from further Viking incursions. However, his loyalty was tied to King Charles the Simple, and after Charles was deposed by Robert I in 922, Rollo considered his obligations void, leading him to pursue his own expansionist policies.

Rollo’s Continued Raids on Flanders

• Even after settling in Normandy, Rollo continued raiding into Flanders, expanding his influence into Carolingian territories.
• His attacks targeted Flemish settlements, including monasteries and trade routes, further destabilizing West Francia during its period of political upheaval.

Rollo’s Expansion Westward (924): The Seizure of Bessin

• With Charles the Simple no longer in power, Rollo looked westward to expand his control beyond the Seine Valley.
• French barons, seeking peace and an alliance with the Normans, negotiated with Rollo, ultimately ceding him Le Mans and ...

• Bayeux.
• This agreement facilitates his conquest of the Bessin region in 924, further consolidating Norman control over key territories.
• Bayeux becomes one of the most Viking-influenced regions, with Norse settlements growing under Rollo’s leadership.