Bjørn (fl. 856–858)

Bjørn (flourished 856–858) was a Viking chieftain who, along with Hastein, led several major raids in Francia during the mid-9th century. Historical sources are often vague and conflicting regarding the details of Bjørn's life and activities, making it difficult to construct a precise biography. However, contemporary chronicles provide accounts of his involvement in large-scale attacks on areas along the Seine and Loire rivers.

Bjørn and Hastein are known for their audacious raids, which involved sailing far inland and plundering important cities. One notable event attributed to them is the supposed sack of Luna, a town in Italy, which they are said to have mistaken for Rome. This episode, though possibly apocryphal or embellished over time, highlights the Vikings' knowledge (or lack thereof) of distant lands and their willingness to venture far from their Scandinavian homelands.

The "fl." notation (from the Latin "floruit," meaning "he/she flourished") indicates that the precise dates of Bjørn's birth and death are unknown. The period 856–858 represents the time frame during which he is documented to have been actively leading Viking expeditions. He disappears from the historical record after this period. The impact of Bjørn and Hastein's raids was significant, contributing to the political instability and economic disruption of Francia during the reign of Charles the Bald. Their activities also serve as a testament to the Viking Age's expansionist and raiding impulses.