In the year when Rollo, a Norse chieftain, laid siege to the city of Chartres in western France, tensions were high between Viking invaders and the Frankish Kingdom. Rollo, known for his leadership among the Vikings, sought to expand his territory and influence in Neustria, a region under Frankish control. The siege of Chartres was a critical maneuver aimed at capturing one of the key fortified cities in the region, thereby enhancing Viking dominance in northern France.

The siege involved not only military strategies but also psychological warfare, as Rollo's forces attempted to intimidate the city defenders. The defenders, comprising local soldiers and civilians, rallied to protect their city against the fierce Viking assault. The Franks, under the rulership of Charles the Simple, were facing increasing pressure from multiple Viking leaders, making the defense of Chartres essential for maintaining their territorial integrity. The city was an important trade hub, and its fall could have significant repercussions on local trade routes and the economy.

Rollo's siege, while ultimately unsuccessful in capturing Chartres, demonstrated the ongoing struggle for power between the Franks and the Viking raiders. The confrontation highlighted the vulnerabilities of Frankish defenses and the military capabilities of Viking forces, marking a significant episode in the broader context of Viking incursions into the Frankish territories. Rollo would later negotiate a treaty, establishing control over parts of Normandy and paving the way for the integration of Viking settlers into the Frankish society.