Viking Leader. Rollo Rognvaldsson, "The Dane" baptized Robert I. Rollo was a Norse Viking and first ruler of the French territory that became Normandy. His name Rollo is the Latin translation of this Norse or Scandanavian name of Hrofl. He is often confused with Granger Hrofl, or Hfolf the Walker, son of Rognavald Eystiensson., an Earl in Norway. Rollo had two wives, the first being Gisela, the daughter of the King of France, Charles the Simple and an unknown mother. His second wife was Poppa, said to be the daughter of Count Berenger de Bayeux, captured during a raid and kept in Viking tradition. They had the following children: William Longspee "Longsword", and Gerloc, the wife of William III, Duke of Aquitaine. His parentage is questioned, although famous tales and historical documents speak of a Danish king with two sons, Gurim and Rollo, who were killed and banished respectively. The debate is a sensitive matter that continues today. His life after leaving his homeland, however, is well documented. Rollo was amoung the Vikings who besieged Paris in 885 under a Dane named Sigfied. When Sigfried returned home, Rollo remained and with his Norsemen invaded northern France and Chartres. The Bishop of Chartres went for help and only the Carolingian King, Robert of Nuestria and Richard Autun of Burgundy declared, their forces pushed back the Vikings at the Battle of Chartres on the 20th of July, 911. It soon became apparent Rollo was not present for bounty as much as he desired land and permanent residence. The King of France, Charles the Simple, who neglected to send support at Chartres, decided making a treaty would be most beneficial for all. Attacks from other Vikings in the same area were common, with the French being at a disadvantage in their style of warfare. Granting that coast line to Rollo was a perfect solution. Who better to defeat the invading Vikings that a Viking with land to protect. In exchange for peace, the Treaty of Saint Clair-sur-Epte stipulated Rollo would have lands above the Seine, centered around Rouen in Normandy, marry one of the illegitimate daughter of Charles, Gisela, convert to Christianity, thus the name Robert, and pledge his allegiance to Charles. Rollo may have defended the coastline as promised, but he continued to assert his attacks on neighboring Flanders. The legend has it that Rollo was required to kiss the foot of the French King. Rollo found this take beneath him, and assigned a warrior to take his place. The warrior was of equal mind, and instead of lowering himself for this kiss, brought the King's foot up so high the King fell over. King Charles was deposed by Robert I in 922, leading Rollo to consider his pledges to a French king null and void. His army, now known as Normans, continued to conqueror surrounding areas. While his exact death is not known, Rollo passed his holdings to his son around 927, and was dead by 933. Rollo's descendants include William the Conqueror, all current day European rulers as well as the present day English royalty.