Alan Barbetorte Reclaims Brittany: The Retaking of Nantes (937)

Alan II Barbetorte ("Twisted-Beard"), the exiled Breton leader, successfully reclaims Nantes in 937, marking a turning point in the reconquest of Brittany from Viking rule. Having spent years in exile in England, Alan returns with military support from King Æthelstan, leading a Breton invasion to restore his ancestral homeland.

Alan Barbetorte’s Exile and Return to Brittany

• After Viking forces, led by Rognvald, conquered Brittany in 919, Alan fled to England, where he was given refuge at the court of King Æthelstan.
• He remained in exile for nearly two decades, waiting for the opportunity to reclaim his duchy.
• In 936, with Æthelstan’s backing, Alan returns to Brittany with a fleet and a well-trained army, beginning the Breton Reconquest.

The Battle for Nantes (937)

• Nantes had been a Viking stronghold for nearly two decades, serving as their capital in Brittany.
• Alan’s Breton forces engage the Norse occupiers in a fierce battle, using guerrilla tactics, cavalry raids, and knowledge of the terrain to their advantage.
• After intense fighting, Alan emerges victorious, and the Vikings lose control of the city.
• The victory at Nantes symbolizes the resurgence of Breton rule and inspires further resistance against Viking occupiers in Brittany.

Impact of Alan Barbetorte’s Victory

1. End of Viking Rule in Brittany Begins

   • The fall of Nantes weakens Norse control over the region, marking the beginning of the end of Viking occupation in Brittany.

2. Brittany is Reclaimed as an Independent Duchy

   • Alan’s victory allows him to establish himself as Duke of Brittany, restoring Breton sovereignty.
   • His rule solidifies Breton independence from both Normandy and West Francia.

3. Continued Breton Resistance

   • The war against the Vikings is not over, but Alan’s leadership ensures that Breton forces continue pushing them out of the region.
   • Over the next few years, Alan systematically expels Norse forces, securing complete control over Brittany.

Conclusion: The Restoration of Breton Rule

Alan Barbetorte’s victory at Nantes in 937 marks the beginning of the full Breton Reconquest, leading to the reestablishment of Brittany as a powerful independent duchy. Having successfully defeated the Vikings, Alan’s rule ensures that Brittany remains free from Norse domination, paving the way for its continued cultural and political autonomy in medieval Europe.