Rouen

The town of Rouen in France is the historical capital of the French province of Normandy. Already a city under the Roman Empire under the latin name of Rotomagus, Rouen becomes the heart of the Viking conquest under Rollon in year 911. At the time of the conquest of England in 1066 by William the Conqueror, Rouen shares with the city of Caen the main role in the province. As the Duke of Normandy becomes King of England, Rouen expands its international maritime trade and separates itself from the continent.

In year 1214, Rouen goes back to France, as a result of the war between the French Capetiens and the English Plantagenets. In the medieval times, Rouen is the second largest town of France after Paris, with one of the largest jewish community in Europe.

Located on the river Seine, on the way from Paris to the Channel, Rouen is an important maritime harbour.

Rouen is presently the capital of the Région de Haute-Normandie. (Caen is presently the capital of the Région de Basse-Normandie).