The year is 845 AD, and the gates of Paris tremble.  From the misty rivers of the north, longships glide like shadows across the water. At their helm stands the legendary Norse war leader Ragnar Sigurdsson, commanding a fearsome Viking force driven by conquest, glory, and gold. Their target: the wealthy and ill-defended city of Paris, heart of the Frankish kingdom.

 

     As dawn breaks, the Seine becomes a highway of invasion. Sleek vessels slice through the current, their dragon-headed prows striking fear into all who behold them. The Vikings storm ashore with unmatched ferocity, overwhelming defenses and laying siege to the city. Churches are plundered, treasures seized, and the population thrown into chaos.  King Charles the Bald, desperate to save his realm, faces an impossible choice: resist and risk total destruction or pay a staggering ransom to drive the invaders away. 

 

     Experience the clash of steel, the roar of battle, and the high-stakes drama of one of the most daring raids of the Viking Age. Come to the Sarasota Medieval Fair to witness the Siege of Paris brought vividly to life - where history isn’t just told… it’s felt.

Are you like us and really, really, really love history? Below are a few historical readings and videos on the topic of this year’s theme.

 

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OB3i8PA-eGI
• Siege of Paris (845) - Wikipedia
• The Siege Of Paris (845) - About History
• The Siege of Paris – Viking Times