Victory of Nomenoe Over the Franks at Ballon, Brittany

The victory of Nominoe (Nomenoe) over the Franks at Ballon in Brittany is a historical event that took place in the 9th century.

Nominoe, also known as Duke Nominoe or Nomenoe, was a Breton leader who played a significant role in the resistance against the Frankish expansion into Brittany.

Nominoe was born around c. 800 and died 7 March 851, and he was the first Duke of Brittany from 846 to his death. He is the Breton pater patriae and to Breton nationalists he is known as Tad ar Vro (“father of the country”).

Background

In the 9th century, Brittany (in northwestern France) was under pressure from the expanding Frankish kingdom. Nominoe emerged as a key leader in Brittany, and he sought to maintain the autonomy of the Breton people.

Battle of Ballon

The Battle of Ballon took place around the year 845, and it is considered a crucial engagement in the Breton War of Succession. Nominoe led the Breton forces against the Franks, and the battle resulted in a significant victory for the Bretons.

Treaty of Angers

Following the victory at Ballon, Nominoe continued to resist Frankish authority. Eventually, a treaty known as the Treaty of Angers was negotiated in 851. This treaty recognized the autonomy of Brittany and established it as a separate kingdom within the Carolingian Empire.

Duchy of Brittany

The Treaty of Angers marked the establishment of the independent Duchy of Brittany, with Nominoe as its first ruler. The duchy continued to exist as a distinct political entity for centuries.

Nominoe’s victory at Ballon and the subsequent Treaty of Angers were crucial in shaping the political landscape of Brittany and ensuring a degree of autonomy for the Breton people. The Duchy of Brittany played a significant role in European politics until its union with the Kingdom of France in the 16th century.