Capetian



         


The direct Capetian Dynasty followed the Carolingian rulers of France from 987 to 1328. From 1328 to 1830, with the interruption of the French Revolution, kings of France from the Valois and Bourbon Dynasty -- cadet branches of the Capetian family -- ruled.


In 1328 the Capetians ran out of direct male heirs. Unlike some other nations, France adhered to the ancient code of the Salian Franks, known as Salic law, which forbade any succession to the throne by or through a female. Therefore the peers of the kingdom elected a new king, Philippe of Valois, a nephew of Philip the Fair, marking the beginning of the Valois Dynasty.

See also: Kings of France family tree






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