🎵 The Fall of the Carolingians - West Francia, 987 (History Preview)

Описание: The Carolingian dynasty, founded by Charles Martel and made imperial by Charlemagne in 800, began its decline after the Treaty of Verdun in 843. The empire was divided among Charlemagne’s grandsons, leading to fragmentation and weakened central control.

In West Francia, Charles the Bald faced increasing pressure from powerful nobles and Viking incursions. His successors struggled to assert authority. By the late 9th century, Carolingian kings like Charles the Fat and Charles the Simple could no longer maintain effective rule. Local dukes and counts gained independence, and royal legitimacy eroded.

In East Francia, Arnulf of Carinthia and later Conrad I of Franconia took power without Carolingian descent. Italy saw similar developments, with the line extinguished by 971. In West Francia, the last Carolingian king, Louis V, died without an heir in 987.

Hugh Capet was elected king the same year, marking the end of Carolingian rule and the beginning of the Capetian dynasty. The imperial crown created under Charlemagne persisted in the Holy Roman Empire, but the direct lineage had lost political control. The dynasty that once unified Western Europe had been reduced to a symbol of the past.

---

Glossary
Carolingians: Dynasty descending from Charles Martel, including Charlemagne.
Treaty of Verdun (843): Division of the Carolingian Empire into three parts.
Charles the Bald / Charles the Fat / Charles the Simple: West Frankish rulers of the Carolingian line.
West Francia: Western division of the Carolingian Empire, precursor of modern France.
Arnulf of Carinthia / Conrad I: Non-Carolingian kings in East Francia.
Capetians: Dynasty founded by Hugh Capet, replacing the Carolingians in 987.
Imperial Orb: Symbol of Christian sovereign authority in the Holy Roman tradition.
Fleur-de-lis: Heraldic symbol associated with French royalty.