There had already been Norwegian and Danish settlers in the area. King Charles "the Simple" of France made an effort to chase away the Vikings, but Rolf's men triumphed at Pont-de-l'Arche, then went on to raid Melun, where the French again tried to beat them off and lost. So the Vikings ruled the area from their seat at Rouen, and mostly turned to colonization instead of pillaging. But Rolf looked beyond the Seine valley; he extended his holdings across the Risle, then the Orne, then took Bayeux in 900, killing Count Béreanger who had held it; Rolf married the count's daughter Popa. And, finally, in 911, Charles "the Simple" recognized Rolf's holdings.