The Collapse of Brittany and the Viking Conquest (919)

After decades of internal conflict and external threats, Brittany succumbs to Viking domination in 919, with the region's nobility fleeing to Francia and England, leaving the land under the control of Rognvald, a Viking leader who establishes Nantes as his capital.

Background: Breton Expansion and Internal Struggles

• After the death of Charlemagne, Breton expansion intensifies, with the region increasingly asserting independence from West Francia.
• In 850, Nominoë, ruler of Brittany, invades and conquers Nantes and Rennes, establishing Breton control over the Frankish-controlled Breton March.
• Following the Battle of Jengland (851) and the Treaty of Angers, the Breton March is integrated into Brittany, marking a high point of Breton sovereignty.

Eighty Years of Breton Civil Strife and Viking Raids

• Despite its independence, Brittany is destabilized by internal power struggles among its warlords.
• Rival nobles often turn to Viking allies to gain an advantage, leading to repeated Norse incursions.
• One of the most catastrophic Viking attacks occurs on June 24, 843, when the Norse sack Nantes and kill Bishop Gohard, an event described in the Chronicle of Nantes:
  • "The city of Nantes remained for many years deserted, devastated, and overgrown with briars and thorns."

The Final Collapse: Viking Conquest of Brittany (919)

• By 919, Breton defenses have completely collapsed, and the remaining Breton nobility flee to Francia and England, abandoning their homeland.
• Rognvald, a Viking warlord, establishes Nantes as his new capital, consolidating Norse rule over Brittany.
• The Viking occupation represents the complete breakdown of Breton autonomy, reversing the gains of Nominoë and his successors.

Consequences of the Viking Conquest of Brittany

1. Brittany is No Longer Independent

   • The Breton ruling class is exiled, leaving Viking chieftains in control.
   • This is the first time in nearly a century that Brittany is completely dominated by a foreign power.

2. Nantes Becomes a Viking Stronghold

   • Under Rognvald’s rule, Nantes serves as the center of Norse power in Brittany.
   • From here, the Vikings launch further raids into Frankish territories.

3. Future Efforts to Reclaim Brittany

   • In the coming decades, exiled Breton nobles in Francia and England will attempt to reclaim their homeland, leading to the eventual reconquest of Brittany in the mid-10th century.

Conclusion: A Temporary Viking Victory

The Viking conquest of Brittany in 919 marks a low point in Breton history, as internal conflict, noble rivalries, and external invasions culminate in the region’s total collapse. However, the exiled Bretons will not remain idle, and efforts to restore Breton rule will eventually lead to a resurgence of independence later in the century