The Norman Rebellion and the Sack of Eu (924)

By 924, the Normans, who had been granted land around Rouen in 911 under the Treaty of Saint-Clair-sur-Epte, begin raiding and ravaging the surrounding regions. Though originally intended to defend West Francia from further Viking incursions, the Normans, led by Rollo and his successors, expand their territory through force.

Norman Raiding and Expansion Beyond Rouen

• The Normans, originally settled in the lower Seine Valley, begin raiding their neighboring regions, testing the limits of their agreement with the Frankish crown.
• Their targets include territories bordering Normandy, with Eu, a coastal settlement in modern-day Seine-Maritime, becoming a primary focus.
• This move threatens both local Frankish rulers and neighboring lords, prompting a coalition to oppose Norman expansion.

The Frankish Response: The Sack of Eu (924)

• Herbert II of Vermandois and Arnulf I of Flanders form an alliance against the Normans to contain their growing power.
• They launch a joint military expedition against Rollo’s forces, capturing and sacking the town of Eu in 924.
• This marks the first large-scale Frankish response to Norman expansion, though it does not completely halt their territorial ambitions.

Consequences of the 924 Conflict

1. Norman Expansion is Temporarily Checked

   • The capture of Eu limits Norman coastal control, though Rollo and his successors will continue to expand westward over time.

2. Franco-Norman Relations Deteriorate Further

   • The Normans now operate with increasing autonomy, proving they are no longer mere vassals of the West Frankish king.
   • Their continued aggression undermines the original agreement made with Charles the Simple in 911.

3. The Power of Regional Lords Increases

   • The role of Herbert II of Vermandois and Arnulf I of Flanders in opposing the Normans reflects the ongoing decline of royal authority in West Francia.
   • The kingdom is increasingly shaped by local rulers acting independently, reinforcing the feudal fragmentation of power.

Conclusion: A Prelude to Further Norman Expansion

Though Herbert and Arnulf temporarily halt Norman advances by capturing Eu in 924, this event foreshadows continued Norman encroachment into Brittany and northern France. The Normans are no longer just settlers defending Frankish territory—they are now an independent force shaping the medieval landscape of France.