Hugh the Great facts for kids

Hugh the Great (born in 895, died in 956) was an important leader in a part of France called West Francia. He was known as the Duke of the Franks and the Count of Paris. He was very powerful during his time.

Hugh's Early Life

Hugh was born in Paris, France, in 895. His father was King Robert I of France. His mother was Béatrice of Vermandois. Hugh came from a powerful family called the Robertians. His oldest son, Hugh Capet, later became King of France in 987.

Becoming a Powerful Duke

In 922, important nobles in West Francia rebelled against the king, Charles the Simple. They chose Hugh's father, Robert I, to be their new king. But King Robert I died in a battle in 923.

After his father's death, Hugh was offered the crown, but he chose not to become king. Instead, his brother-in-law, Rudolph of France, became the new king. Charles the Simple, the old king, asked his cousin, Herbert II, Count of Vermandois, for help. But Herbert put Charles in prison instead! Herbert then used the threat of releasing Charles to get what he wanted. Charles died in 929.

From then on, Hugh the Great worked for King Rudolph. He had to deal with Herbert II, who was still causing trouble. Finally, King Rudolph and Herbert II made an agreement in 935.

Working with Kings

When King Rudolph died in 936, Hugh the Great controlled a large area of land. This land was between the Loire and Seine rivers. It was almost the same as the old territory of Neustria.

Hugh helped bring Louis IV back from England in 936 to become the new king. In 937, Hugh married Hedwige of Saxony. She was the daughter of Henry I the Fowler of Germany. But soon, Hugh and King Louis started to disagree.

In 939, King Louis attacked Hugh and William I, Duke of Normandy. They soon made a short peace. That same year, Hugh and other powerful leaders showed their loyalty to Emperor Otto the Great of Germany. They supported him in his disagreements with King Louis.

In 945, King Louis was captured by the Normans. He was then given to Hugh in exchange for the young Norman duke, Richard. Hugh released King Louis in 946. However, Hugh made Louis give up the fortress of Laon.

In 948, a church meeting was held. The bishops there removed Hugh from the church, even though he was not present. Hugh responded by attacking cities like Soissons and Reims. Eventually, Hugh changed his mind and made peace with King Louis and the church.

Later Years and Family

When King Louis IV died, Hugh was one of the first to say that Lothair should be the next king. Because Hugh helped Lothair become king, the new king gave Hugh the regions of Burgundy and Aquitaine. In the same year, Giselbert, the Duke of Burgundy, accepted Hugh as his leader. Giselbert also gave his daughter to Hugh's son, Otto-Henry, in marriage. Hugh the Great died on June 16, 956, in Dourdan.

Hugh's Marriages

Hugh had three wives during his life:

• In 922, Hugh married Judith. She died in 925 and they had no children.
• Hugh's second wife was Eadhild. She was the daughter of Edward the Elder, who was king of the Anglo-Saxons. They married in 926. She died in 938 and they also had no children.
• Hugh's third wife was Hedwig of Saxony. She was the daughter of Henry I the Fowler and Matilda of Ringelheim. They had several children:
  • Beatrice, who married Frederick I, Duke of Upper Lorraine.
  • Hugh Capet.
  • Emma (born around 943).
  • Otto, Duke of Burgundy.
  • Odo-Henry I, Duke of Burgundy (died in 1002).

See also

In Spanish: Hugo el Grande para niños