987 CE
Hugh Capet was elected King of France, founding the Capetian dynasty that would rule France directly for over three centuries and through its cadet branches until the French Revolution.
Politics & Power
- Hugh Capet, Duke of Francia, was elected King of the Franks by an assembly of nobles following the death of the last Carolingian king, Louis V. His election ended the Carolingian dynasty in West Francia and established the Capetian dynasty.
- Hugh immediately associated his son Robert as co-king, establishing the practice of crowning the heir during the father's lifetime that would ensure the Capetian succession for generations and transform an elective monarchy into a de facto hereditary one.
- At the time of his accession, Hugh's direct royal domain was small, centered on the Ile-de-France around Paris, and many of his nominal vassals controlled far larger and wealthier territories than the king himself.
Climate & Environment
- Atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration was approximately 276 parts per million, as later confirmed by ice core analysis.
Population & Demographics
- World population is estimated to have been approximately 308 million.