The Battle of Brissarthe

The Conflict

Prelude

In 525 SI, Salaun, Duke of Breizh, formed an alliance with Norman chieftain Hastein for a joint raid into the territories of Anjev, Cenomannie and Touraine. The Viking longships moved quickly, sacking the capital of Cenomannie, Ar Mans.

Deployment

The raiders, laden with the riches of Cenomannie, fled north towards their longships and the protection of their Bretoned allies. But the rulers of the three attacked kingdoms, and allies from Poitou, marched northwards under a single banner, led by legendary warrior Robert the Strong. The army met the raiders in what is now the Marches of Neustria

Battlefield

The battle took place on the gently sloping hills and marshy fields on edge of the Sarthe River, with the majority of the fighting centering on the ground of an old stone church and parish close.

The Engagement

The Angevin forces attacked quickly, cutting the Vikings off from their boats at Brissarthe, the sole crossing of the Sarthe for a long distance. Taken by surprise in the initial attack, the raiders took refuge in the ruins of an old parish close and a siege began, leaving the Vikings trapped inside the stone building, but the attackers unable to breach the thick walls. Confident the raiders were contained, Robert removed his armor, to direct looting of the viking Drakkars, which continued into the evening. As night fell, the Northmen attempted an escape, killing most of the allied leadership, most notably the unarmoured Robert. The alliance faltered, allowing the Vikings to escape up river on their remaining ships.

Outcome

With renewed confidence and their largest organized opposition defeated, the Viking raids continue along the Liger, sacking several major settlements. They quickly recoup their losses at Brissarthe, controlling the Sarthe and Liger unopposed.

Aftermath

With allied leadership crippled, the King of Gallia fears that the Bretoned/Norman alliance will turn its attention towards his realm. He quickly recognizes Salaun as the legitimate ruler of Breizh, ceding the Marches of Nuestria to the Bretoned. At the same time, Hastein was granted control of the Contentin Peninsula, which would become the Duchy of Normaundie. Cenomannie, Touraine and Anjev, leadership crippled, are joined together into what would become the duchy of Anjev.

Historical Significance

Legacy

The Battle of Brissarthe was a major turning point in the establishment of Breizh, Anjev and Normaundie as established geopolitical nations. For a time, the ambitions of Gallia towards these three territories is stifled.

In Literature

The battle is a popular subject of art and ballads in Gallia, where Robert is treated as a martyr for the Southern Church and the Gallian cause against the barbaric pagans of the north. Despite the victory of the Bretoned and Normans in the battle, it is rarely spoken of in those areas, a mere footnote of history.

Conflict Type

Battle

Battlefield Type

Land

Start Date

525 SI

Ending Date

525 SI

Conflict Result

The leadership decapitated, the Angevin Alliance crumbled, allowing the Normans to escape northwards towards safety.