... were "adept at exploiting the changing balance of power"2 both in Europe and within its individual kingdoms. Their invasions depended on the political situations and local defences of the countries in which they were interested. This was the case in Frankia in 833 when Louis the Pious was deposed by his sons during the succession crisis and the defences of the kingdom were neglected. This allowed for a number of successful invasions and the eventual settlement of regions on the northern coast. Tenth-century succession trends did not necessitate a direct heir (i.e. the eldest son of the present ruler) but instead allowed a number of candidates, which led to court. The recognition that uncertainty over succession could lead to political disaster may have led to the acceptance that the direct male heir was the rightful ruler and thus altered the trend of royal inheritance. The Vikings demonstrated the importance of military ...

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