Hugues Capet
King of the Franks · 987-996 · born in 940, died on 24 October 996
After the death of the last Carolingian, Louis V, the kingdom’s great men elected Hugh Capet king of the Franks in 987. He was anointed at Noyon, then associated his son Robert II with the throne, anointed at Orléans the same year: the Capetian dynasty settled in for over eight centuries.
Son of Hugh the Great, powerful duke of the Franks, Hugh Capet had a reduced royal domain, centred on Paris and Orléans. His real authority was weak in the face of the great lords, who exercised extensive power over their duchies and counties.
His strength rested above all on continuity: the practice of associating his son with the throne ensured a succession without crisis, at a time when the other dynasties were dying out or tearing themselves apart. The Capetians would make this longevity the cornerstone of the French monarchy.
Key dates
- 987: Accession of Hugh Capet
In the tree of power
- Era: Capetians
- Predecessor: Louis V le Fainéant (986-987)
- Successor: Robert II le Pieux (996-1031)