Rollo of Normandy was a Viking leader who became the first ruler of Normandy in the early 10th century. He is known for his role in the establishment of the region as a significant power in France. Rollo was granted land by the French King Charles the Simple in exchange for his loyalty and protection against other Viking raids. Rollo's descendants would go on to play a crucial role in European history, including the famous William the Conqueror, who was a direct descendant. Rollo's legacy is marked by the blending of Viking and Frankish cultures, which shaped the identity of Normandy.