In 987, a nobleman founded a dynasty that ruled France for 800 years
The coronation of a minor nobleman in 987 sparked the rise of the Capetian dynasty, a family tree that would produce thirty-six kings and shape the modern borders of France.
In 987, the Frankish nobility elected Hugh Capet as their king, unknowingly establishing one of the longest-ruling dynasties in history. At the time, Hugh controlled only a small territory around Paris and was surrounded by powerful, independent dukes. Through clever diplomacy and the tradition of crowning heirs early, his descendants slowly centralized power over eight centuries.
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