[2] The early years of Baldwin II's rule were marked by a series of devastating Viking raids into Flanders.

[3] In 888, the Western Frankish king, Charles the Fat, was deposed, leaving several candidates vying to replace him.

[5] Baldwin continued his expansion to the south and gained control over Artois, including the important Abbey of St. Vaast.

Between 893 and 899, Baldwin II married Ælfthryth (or Elftrude or Elfrida), the daughter of King Alfred the Great of Wessex.

[8] Baldwin died on 10 September 918,[9] at Blandijnberg (near Ghent) and was succeeded by his eldest son, Arnulf I of Flanders.