From poachers to gamekeepers: Scandinavian warlords and Carolingian kings
Simon Coupland
This article represents the first comprehensive study of commendation and conversion Viking leaders by Carolingian rulers, from recorded instance under Charlemagne to agreement with Rollo in early tenth century. The survey underlines how widespread practice was, permits an assessment its effectiveness as a defensive strategy against Scandinavian incursions. outcome varied: some Scandinavians found themselves defending Frankish territory attack, others acted intermediaries between Franks Scandinavians, still were granted benefices but never trusted, ultimately killed. Nonetheless, demonstrates that majority cases worked Carolingians’ advantage, neutralizing potential enemies or even turning them into useful allies.
Early Medieval Europe