The Battle of Thimeon (879): Louis the Younger's Victory Against the Vikings

By 879, Viking incursions into the Frankish kingdoms had reached a new level of intensity, particularly along the Scheldt River and deeper into the Carolingian heartlands. Norsemen from England had established permanent settlements along the river, using them as staging grounds for further attacks.

The Viking Threat in East Francia and West Francia (879)

• Since the summer of 879, Vikings had been increasing their attacks on the Frankish kingdom, raiding deep into the interior.
• West Francia under Louis III and Carloman II suffered the greatest devastation, with Viking forces sacking cities, monasteries, and trade centers.
• East Francia, ruled by Louis the Younger, also came under heavy Viking pressure, particularly along the Rhine and its tributaries.

Louis the Younger's Response and the Treaty of Ribemont (879)

• Christmas 879 → Louis the Younger celebrates the holiday at Frankfurt am Main, then meets with the West Frankish kings, Louis III and Carloman II, to negotiate a settlement of territorial claims.
• The Treaty of Ribemont → Signed in early 880, the treaty cements the division of Lotharingia, ensuring East Francia retains the region.
• With his borders secure from West Francia, Louis the Younger turns north to confront the Viking settlement on the Scheldt River.

The Battle of Thimeon (879)

• Louis leads his army northward, targeting Viking strongholds in the Low Countries.
• The two sides clash near Thimeon, close to modern Charleroi, Belgium.
• The battle is a decisive Frankish victory, with an estimated 5,000 Vikings killed—one of the largest losses suffered by Norse forces in the Frankish world.
• However, the victory comes at a heavy cost:
  • Hugh of Saxony, Louis' only surviving son, is killed in battle.
  • Hugh, an illegitimate son, had been a prominent military leader, serving as Count of Saxony and fighting border skirmishes against both Vikings and Hungarians.

Aftermath and Impact of the Battle

• The Viking settlement on the Scheldt is weakened but not fully eradicated—future raids continue in the 880s and 890s.
• Louis the Younger, devastated by the loss of his son, has no surviving heirs, creating uncertainty over East Francia’s succession.
• The Treaty of Ribemont (880), signed shortly after, secures Lotharingia for East Francia, ensuring that West Francia does not benefit from his victory.
• The Viking threat remains, though Louis' strong defense of his kingdom serves as an example for future Frankish rulers facing Norse incursions.

The Battle of Thimeon (879) represents one of the most significant victories against Viking forces in East Francia, but the death of Hugh of Saxony leaves Louis the Younger's kingdom vulnerable, setting the stage for further instability in the Carolingian world.