Hugh Capet
Biography
Elected king after the last Carolingian, Hugh held little beyond the Île de France, Paris region. But his line, father to son for eight straight heirs, kept the crown when election was custom. The Capetians ruled France 809 years direct and cadet, Valois, Bourbon, until 1848 with interruptions. From modest counts, they became Europe most durable royal house.
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