Adelaide of Aquitaine facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Adelaide of Aquitaine
Queen consort of the Franks
Tenure	987–996
Born	c. 945/952
Died	1004
Spouse	Hugh Capet (m. 969; died 996)
Issue	Hedwig, Countess of Mons Robert II of France Gisèle, Countess of Ponthieu
House	Poitiers
Father	William III of Aquitaine
Mother	Gerloc of Normandy

Adelaide of Aquitaine, also known as Adelaide of Poitiers, was an important queen of France. She was born around 945 or 952 and passed away in 1004. Adelaide became queen by marrying King Hugh Capet, who lived from about 939 to 996. Together, Adelaide and Hugh started the Capetian dynasty. This royal family ruled France for many centuries, all the way until the 18th and 19th centuries. As queen, Adelaide played a role in how her husband governed France. She is often remembered alongside her husband, Hugh, and their son, Robert II.

Early Life and Becoming Queen

Adelaide was the daughter of Duke William III of Aquitaine. Her mother was Gerloc, who was the daughter of Rollo of Normandy.

In 987, a big change happened in France. The last king from the Carolingian family, Louis V, passed away. After his death, important leaders in France, called Frankish magnates, chose Hugh Capet to be their new king. This election took place in a town called Senlis.

Starting a New Royal Family

Adelaide and Hugh were officially declared king and queen at Senlis on May 29, 987. They also received a special blessing in Noyon on June 1, 987. This event was very important because they started a brand new royal family for France, known as the Capetian dynasty. This dynasty would rule France for a very long time.

King Hugh Capet greatly respected Adelaide's opinions. He allowed her to be involved in important government decisions. He even called her "socia et particeps nostril regni." This means she was an "associate and partner in our kingdom." This shows how much he valued her role as queen.

Adelaide's Influence and Challenges

Adelaide also showed her influence in other ways. Her son Robert had a teacher named Gerbert of Aurillac. Later, Gerbert had a disagreement with Arnulf, who was the archbishop of Reims. Gerbert sought safety with Otto III, the Holy Roman emperor.

Adelaide tried to bring Gerbert back to Reims. However, Gerbert politely refused in a letter from 997. He was worried about his own safety. He also thought his return might cause problems for the stability of the French kingdom. This event shows Adelaide's efforts to manage important people and situations in her kingdom.

Adelaide's Children

Adelaide and Hugh Capet had at least three children who grew up to be adults:

• Hedwig, Countess of Mons (born around 969, lived after 1013). She married Reginar IV, Count of Mons.
• Robert II (born 972, died 1031). He became the next King of France. He was crowned as co-king in 987. This helped make the new Capetian dynasty stronger.
• Gisèle, Countess of Ponthieu (born around 970, died 1002). She married Hugh I, Count of Ponthieu.

See also

In Spanish: Adelaida de Aquitania para niños