The Capetians

Following the demise of the Carolingian dynasty, the French lords chose Hugh Capet as their king. Even though the kingdom of France was much smaller than it later became, the Capetians had considerable achievements and also produced outstanding rulers, including Philip Augustus and St Louis. This book presents the history of the Capetians. Following the demise of the Carolingian dynasty in 987 the French lords chose Hugh Capet as their king. He was the founder of a dynasty that lasted until 1328. Although for much of this time, the French kings were weak, and the kingdom of France was much smaller than it later became, the Capetians nevertheless had considerable achievements and also produced outstanding rulers, including Philip Augustus and St Louis. This wide-ranging book throws fascinating light on the history of Medieval France and the development of European monarchy.