Dorestad, at one time the personal possession of Charlemagne as Quentovic in France, had often been the subject of war between the Frisians and the Franks between 600 and 850.

Because of its success as a trading city, Dorestad has drawn the attention of Vikings, who in 834, 835, 844, and 857 have raided the city.

Historians think that approximately seven thousand Vikings were involved in the first raid in 834.

Rorik, or Hrörek, of Dorestad, a Jutish Viking konung born about 810/820 to Ali Anulo, ninth King of Haithabu, is mentioned by Frankish chroniclers as having received lands in Friesland from the Emperor Louis I.

This had not been enough for him, and he had started to plunder neighboring lands, taking Dorestad in 850 and making it the capital of a Viking kingdom.

Roerik in 859 loots Bremen.