Rorik (Danish Viking leader)

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Rorik by H. W. Koekkoek.

Rorik or Horic (810/820-880) was a Danish Viking, who ruled over most of Friesland between 850 and 880. Rorik and his brother Harald conquered Friesland, using islands as a main base of operations. The seat of Rorik was the island of Wieringen, while Harald operated from the island of Walcheren from 841 onwards. They made an end to feudalism and monasteries. Emperor Lothair I had to acknowledge him as ruler of most of Friesland in 850. The bishop of Utrecht had to move to Deventer (in Eastern Friesland) after the conquest of Dorestad and Utrecht by Rorik in 850. He tried to become king of Denmark during the Danish civil war of 854, which wasn't a success. He captured Haithabu in 857 and looted Bremen in 859. The Emperor was enraged and stripped him of all his possessions in 860. The merchants of Dorestad refused to submit to Rorik in 863. Dorestad was destroyed and never rebuild. The Frisians rebelled against the rule of Rorik and temporarily liberated Friesland in 867. Rorik allied with king Charles the Bald of West Francia and made agreements with king Louis the German of East Francia and became a vasal of both of them in 870. He converted to christianity. Rorik died in 880 and was succeeded by Godfried, the son of Harald.