March 28: Viking invaders and plunderers are taken to Paris in 845 and demanded a huge ransom to free the city.

A Viking siege of Paris, 19th century portrayal

The Viking pillaging of Paris in 845 was led by Danish Ragnar Lodbrok with 120 Viking ships that entered the Seine River and sailed to reach Paris.

Charles the Bald in old age; picture from his Psalter.

After occupying the city, the Vikings demanded more than two and a half tons of gold and silver of King Charles the Bald.

Viking expeditions (blue line): depicting the immense breadth of their voyages

The Normandy region of France named after the invaders were called "Normans" meaning "Northmen".