Capetians

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Capetians , royal house of France that ruled continuously from 987 to 1328; it takes its name from Hugh Capet . Related branches of the family (see Valois ; Bourbon ) ruled France until the final deposition of the monarchy in the 19th cent. The first historical ancestor was Robert the Strong , count of Anjou and of Blois. His son, Eudes , count of Paris, was elected (888) king after the deposition of the Carolingian king Charles III (Charles the Fat). From 893 to 987 the crown passed back and forth between Carolingians and descendants of Robert the Strong. Eudes's brother, Robert I , was chosen king in 922 but died in 923. The title, waived by his son, Hugh the Great , passed to Robert's son-in-law, Raoul , duke of Burgundy. In 987, Hugh's son, Hugh Capet, became king. His direct descendants remained on the throne until the death (1328) of Charles IV, when it passed to the related house of Valois. The successors of Hugh Capet were Robert II, Henry I, Philip I, Louis VI, Louis VII, Philip II, Louis VIII, Louis IX, Philip III, Philip IV, Louis X, John I, Philip V, and Charles IV. Their reign marked the expansion of royal authority, the revival of towns and commerce, and the beginning of the modern French state.

Bibliography: See R. Fawtier, The Capetian Kings of France (1941, tr. 1960); A. Lewis, Royal Succession in Capetian France (1982); R. McKitterick, The Frankish Kingdoms under the Carolingians (1983); J. Dunbabin, France in the Making, 843-1180 (1985).

Capetian (987–1328) The dynasty of French kings who succeeded the CAROLINGIANS. It was not until the reign of Louis VI (1108–1137) that the dynasty established firm control over its own territories around Paris and began the slow process of gaining real power in France. Philip Augustus (1180–1223) seized Normandy and recovered many other areas which had been occupied by, or were under the influence of, the English crown. This effectively doubled the size of the country. Paris became the true centre of government. By the end of the reign of Philip IV (1285–1314) France had achieved a great degree of stability and acquired many of the legal and governmental systems which were to survive up to the French Revolution. On the death of Charles IV in 1328 the throne passed to the House of VALOIS who, together with the later BOURBONS, could claim indirect descent from Hugh Capet (ruled 987–96), the first of the line.

Capetians French royal family forming the third dynasty providing France with 15 kings. It began with Hugh Capet, Duke of Francia (987), and ended with Charles IV (1328). Hugh Capet was elected king after the death of Louis V, the last of the Carolingians. Capetians dominated the feudal forces, extending the king's rule over the country. It was succeeded by Philip VI of the House of Valois.

Capetian name of the dynasty ruling France 987–1328, founded by Hugh Capet (938–96), king of France 987–96.

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