On This Day In History: Edict Of Pistres ‘A New Law’ Against Viking Raids Issued – On July 25, 864

MessageToEagle.com – On 25 July 864, the Edict of Pistres ‘a new law’ was made known officially and publicly.
It is often cited by historians as one of the rare examples of successful government action on the part of Charles the Bald, King of West Francia (823 -877) and also King of Italy (875-77) and Holy Roman Emperor (875-77, as Charles II).

At the time, Vikings were very troublesome and more than annually attacked not only the Frankish coastlands but, with the aid of Europe’s several navigable rivers, much of the interior of the country, too.

A king was most valued who could defeat them in the field and prevent their attacks in the future.

The purpose and primary effect of the Edict of Pistres was long thought to be the protection of the cities and countryside from Viking raids.

Charles created a large force of cavalry upon which he could call as needed.

He ordered all men who had horses or could afford horses to serve in the army as cavalrymen.

This was one of the beginnings of the French chivalry so famous for the next seven centuries.

The intention of Charles was to have a mobile force with which to descend upon the raiders before they could up and leave with their booty.
To prevent the Vikings from even attaining a great booty, Charles also declared that fortified bridges should be built at all towns on rivers.

This was to prevent the Vikings’ longships from sailing into the interior.

Charles also prohibited all trade in weapons with the Vikings, in order to prevent them from establishing bases in Gaul.

The penalty for selling horses to the Vikings was death. Since the prohibition on the sale of horses was new, it is probable that mounted Viking raids were on the rise. The Edict of Pistres had also political and economic consequences.
Economically, besides the prohibitions on commerce with the enemy, Charles tightened his control of the mints and regulated the punishment for counterfeiting.

Prior to this edict at least nine places in France had the right of minting but these were reduced to three.
Charles also made an attempt to control the building of private castles, but this failed and even minor lords constructed fortresses of their own on local hilltops to defend themselves and their peasants from the constant threat of Scandinavian invasion.

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