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228 General History of Europe divided up among a great many dukes and counts who built strong castles, gathered armies, and paid little attention to their kings. In the tenth century certain great fiefs, like Normandy, Brit- tany, Flanders, and Burgundy, developed into little nations, each under its line of able rulers. These little feudal states were cre- ated by certain families of nobles who possessed exceptional energy or statesmanship. By conquest, purchase, or marriage they increased the number of their fiefs, and they insured their control over their vassals by promptly destroying the castles of those who refused to meet their obligations. 367. Normandy. Of these subnations none was more impor- tant or interesting than Normandy. The Northmen had been the scourge of those who lived near the North Sea for many years before one of their leaders, Rollo (or Hrolf), agreed, in 911, to accept from the West Prankish king a district on the coast, north of Brittany, where he and his followers might peacefully settle. Rollo assumed the title of Duke of the Normans and introduced the Christian religion among his people. The newcomers for a considerable time kept up their Scandinavian habits and language, but gradually appropriated such culture as their neighbors pos- sessed, and by the twelfth century their capital, Rouen, -was one of the most enlightened cities of Europe. 368. Battle of Hastings (loee). Just what William's claims to England were is not very clear, and it makes little difference. The main thing to know is that many ships were building in the Norman harbors in the spring and summer of 1066, and many adventurers readily flocked to William's standard when it became known that he proposed to invade England. The Normans and the English met on the field of Hastings. The English were led by Harold, the successor of Edward the Confessor, who made a brave stand, but was killed and his troops routed by the Norman cav- alry and their excellent bowmen. William managed to induce a number of influential nobles and several bishops to accept him as king, now that Harold was dead. London opened its gates to him, and on Christmas Day, 1066, he was solemnly elected king by an assembly in Westminster Abbey, and duly crowned.