Robert II le Pieux
King of the Franks · 996-1031 · born on 27 March 972, died on 20 July 1031
Son of Hugh Capet, associated with the throne as early as 987, Robert II succeeded his father in 996. A learned and pious king, nicknamed “the Pious”, he reigned over a still weak kingdom, dominated by the great feudal lords.
His marriage to Bertha of Burgundy, a relative, earned him the pope’s excommunication; he eventually separated from her and married Constance of Arles. He intervened at length in Burgundy, where he strengthened his authority.
Robert II, cultured and devout, had churches built and surrounded himself with clerics, contributing to the religious renaissance of the early 11th century. When he died in 1031, he left a still modest royal domain, but a firmly established dynasty.
In the tree of power
- Era: Capetians
- Predecessor: Hugues Capet (987-996)
- Successor: Henri Ier (1031-1060)
- Queen: Constance d'Arles (1003-1031)