The Normans
The Coat of Arms of Normandy
The term Normans – originally “Northmen” – referred to Scandinavians who, through naval excursions (both military and commercial) in the 10th century came to settle in North Western France, and founded the duchy named after them, “Normandy”.
The term later came to define the inhabitants of Normandy no matter what their origins were. Normandy was one of many states to be founded by the Vikings, but it was the only one to last.
Find out more about the Normans’ viking origins, the founding of Normandy, and William and his Conquest of England.