Siege of Paris
885 CE · Île de la Cité (modern Paris, France) · World · Medieval
Odo led soldiers and townspeople in holding the fortified bridges over the Seine for nearly a year; unable to take the city, the Vikings lifted the siege after demanding a ransom and turning to plunder elsewhere.
Belligerents
Viking raiders
- Commanders
- Sigfred
- Strength
- Reportedly tens of thousands aboard ship
West Francia
- Commanders
- Odo, Count of Paris
- Strength
- Paris garrison
Background
Viking fleets sailed up the Seine intending to raid the interior, and Paris, commanding the river, stood squarely in their path.
Course of the battle
- Sailing upriverThe Viking fleet sailed up the Seine right to the walls of Paris.
- SiegeThe Vikings repeatedly assaulted the bridge fortifications and the city walls without success.
- Siege liftedUnable to take the city after a long siege, the Vikings demanded a ransom and turned to plunder elsewhere.
Outcome at a glance
| Date | 885 CE |
|---|---|
| Place | Île de la Cité (modern Paris, France) |
| Result | Odo led soldiers and townspeople in holding the fortified bridges over the Seine for nearly a year; unable to take the city, the Vikings lifted the siege after demanding a ransom and turning to plunder elsewhere. |
| Winner | West Francia |
| Casualties | Both sides suffered losses, but the Paris garrison held firm. |
| Territorial change | Paris held this key crossing on the Seine and was spared from falling. |
Impact
For his service in defending the city, Odo was later elected king of West Francia, and Paris's standing rose markedly.
See the world in 885 on the map →