Thread by @Arby_K

A mighty dynasty that once sought power in Rome is displaced by one that would eventually rule in Constantinople.

But the displaced are not easily displaced.

Story in the evening ...

Robert was born around 972 to Hugues "Capet", Count of Orléans and Paris and Adelais de Poitou. Hugues was one of the most powerful nobles in West Francia (France), which was ruled by Lothaire of Carolingian dynasty, the dynasty which had been ruling the Franks since 751. 1/10

The Carolingian dynasty had reached its peak in 800 when Lothaire's ancestor was crowned Emperor in Rome. But after its division into three branches of the family in 843, it started to lose its prominence. By Lothaire's time both Middle & East Frankish lines had died out. 2/10

Robert's father, Hugues, controlled a large part of West Francia. Though Lothaire was king, his authority extended only to a small region within the country. But he sought control over Lotharingia (Lorraine), the earliest region of Frankish power in Europe. 3/10

In 977, the Holy Roman Emperor appointed Lothaire's estranged brother, Charles, as the Duke of Lower Lotharingia. The next year Lothaire invaded Lotharingia seizing it from the Empire. When the Emperor retaliated, it was up to Hugues to save the king. 4/10

Young Robert in the meantime was getting set for greater things with an education his father never had. He was educated by Gerbert de Aurillac, a noted scholar and teacher, who was based in the Cathedral School of Reims.5/10

In 986, Lothaire died while campaigning in Lotharingia. The next year, his only son also died in a hunting accident. Though Charles of Lotharingia put forth his candidature, Hugues was elected as king instead, with the support Gerbert de Aurillac and the Archbishop of Reims. 6/10

In 988, Robert was made associate king. Charles attempted to seize the throne, but was captured with the help of Archbishop of Laon. However just like his predecessors, Hugues also had only a limited control over his kingdom. 7/10

Robert succeeded his father as king in 996. Despite his marital troubles, King Robert managed to hold on to the throne over powerful vassals. In 1002, he got into a conflict with Otto-Guillaume of Burgundy over the Duchy of Burgundy. 8/10

The Duchy of Burgundy was ruled by Robert's uncle, Henri. Henri had no sons, but had adopted his step son, Otto-Guillaume, leading to both Robert and Otto-Guillaume claiming the Duchy on his death in 1002. Robert eventually won, but assigned the Duchy to his son, Henri. 9/10

Robert reigned until 1031. Though royal power was still weak, Capetian line continued with Robert's son, Henri, succeeding as king (and giving the Duchy of Burgundy to his brother, Robert).

The Capetian royal house continues even today. 10/10