French Kings Chronology with Biographies

These are the lives of the first kings of France and the middle ages. The dynasty ends with a political struggle. Philip The Fair died leaving 3 sons who became Louis X (Louis X's  posthumous son, John I), Philip V & Charles IV. When John died, Philip V had himself crowned even though there were some who supported Louis' daughter Joan. Philip V called the Estates-General (parliament) and they agreed that women should not succeed to the throne of France invoking an old law of the Salian Franks, or "Salic Law." With many concessions by Philip, this became the established law of succession in France. When Philip V and Charles IV both died without sons, the line passed to Philip of Valois.

Hugh I "The Great" Capet (987-996)

Robert II "The Pious" (996-1031)

Henry I (1031-1060)

Philip I "The Fair" (1060-1108) and Bertrade of Montfort

Louis VI "The Fat" (1108-1137)

Louis VII "The Young" (1137-1180) and Eleanor of Aquitaine

Philip II Augustus (1180-1223) & Isabella of Hainault

Louis VIII "The Lion" (1223-1226) & Blanche of Castille

Louis IX or Saint Louis (1226-1270) & Margaret of Provence

Philip III "The Bold" (1270-1285) & Mary of Brabant

Philip IV "The Fair" (1285-1314) & Joan of Navarre

Louis X "The Headstrong" (1314-1316)

John I "The Posthumous" (1316)

Philip V "The Tall" (1316-1322)

Charles IV "The Fair" (1322-1328)

Next go to Valois Reign or Bookstore Directory for other periods.

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