911 CE
The Treaty of Saint-Clair-sur-Epte granted the Viking leader Rollo a territory in northern France that would become the Duchy of Normandy, permanently altering the political landscape of Western Europe.
Conflict & Diplomacy
- King Charles the Simple of West Francia concluded the Treaty of Saint-Clair-sur-Epte with the Viking chieftain Rollo, granting him the territory around Rouen in exchange for his baptism, his oath of fealty, and his commitment to defend the Seine valley against further Viking incursions.
- The settlement created the nucleus of what would become the Duchy of Normandy, whose descendants would conquer England in 1066, establish kingdoms in southern Italy and Sicily, and play a leading role in the Crusades.
Politics & Power
- The Carolingian line died out in East Francia with the death of Louis the Child, leading to the election of Conrad I of Franconia as king, a shift toward elective monarchy in the eastern Frankish realm.
Climate & Environment
- Atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration was approximately 276 parts per million, as later confirmed by ice core analysis.
Population & Demographics
- World population is estimated to have been approximately 282 million.