The Normans' Viking origins and their conquest of Normandy created Europe's most formidable warriors. This documentary explores how pagan Viking raiders, led by the legendary Rollo, transformed from seasonal pillagers into a settled Christian power. We investigate their maritime supremacy with the Viking longboat, the brutal raids on Frankish monasteries, and the pivotal Treaty of Saint-Clair-sur-Epte, which gave birth to the Duchy of Normandy. Discover how these Northmen blended their fierce warrior culture with Frankish administration and religion, forging a unique and powerful identity that set the stage for their most famous descendant: William the Conqueror.
Join us as we journey through the heart of Normandy, visiting iconic sites like Rouen Cathedral and Mont-Saint-Michel. With expert analysis from historians Pierre Bajang, Professor Leone Hicks, and Matias Dillies, and a hands-on demonstration of a Viking longboat with Medie Safer, we uncover the secrets of the Normans' success. We trace the lineage from Rollo to William the Bastard, exploring the complex web of marriage, diplomacy, and violence that defined the first dukes and created a stable, powerful state ready for conquest.
0:00 The Viking Threat to Francia
7:06 Secret to Viking Supremacy: The Longboat
17:07 Rollo: The Viking Who Forged a Duchy
30:24 Building the Norman Dynasty
44:53 The Birth of William the Conqueror
Meet the Normans, Series 1, Episode 1
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