Odo of France facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Odo |
|
|---|---|
Image of the coronation of Odo of France from the Grandes Chroniques de France (13th century)
|
|
| King of West Francia | |
| Reign | 888–898 |
| Coronation | February 888, Compiègne |
| Predecessor | Charles the Fat |
| Successor | Charles the Simple |
| Born | c. 857 |
| Died | 1 January 898 (aged c. 41) La Fère, West Francia |
| Burial | Abbey of Saint Denis |
| Spouse | Théodrate of Troyes (m. 882) |
| House | Robertian |
| Father | Robert the Strong |
| Mother | Adelaide of Tours |
Odo (born around 857 – died January 1, 898) was chosen by important nobles to be the King of West Francia from 888 to 898. West Francia was a kingdom that later became France. Odo was the first king from a powerful family called the Robertian dynasty. Before he became king, he was known as the count of Paris. His time as king was important because it showed that West Francia was now truly separate from the larger Carolingian Empire.
Contents
Odo's Early Life and Family
Odo was the oldest son of Robert the Strong. His father was a very important leader. Robert was known as the Duke of the Franks. He was also the Margrave of Neustria and the Count of Anjou.
Inheriting Titles
When Odo's father died in a battle in 866, Odo inherited a title called the Margraviate of Neustria. However, he lost this title in 868. King Charles the Bald gave it to someone else. Odo got the title back in 886 after that person died. After 882, Odo also became the count of Paris. He was also a special leader at a church called St. Martin of Tours.
Odo's Marriage
Around 882 or 883, Odo married a woman named Théodrate of Troyes. They had at least one son, but not much is known about their children.
Odo's Time as King
Odo became king because he showed great skill and bravery. He helped defend Paris from fierce attacks by Vikings between 885 and 886. Because of his courage, the nobles of West Francia chose him to be their king. This happened after the previous emperor, Charles the Fat, was removed from power.
Becoming King
Odo was crowned king in February 888. The ceremony took place in a town called Compiègne. An important church leader, Walter, the Archbishop of Sens, performed the crowning.
Fighting the Vikings
As king, Odo continued to fight against the Vikings. He won a major battle against them at a place called Montfaucon. However, Odo soon faced challenges from powerful nobles within his own kingdom. These nobles supported another person, Charles the Simple, who also wanted to be king.
Special Rights for Manresa
In 890, King Odo gave special rights to a region called the County of Manresa. This area was important because it was on the border with lands controlled by the Moors. The Moors were a group from North Africa. To help defend against Moorish attacks, Manresa was allowed to build special defense towers. These towers were called manresanas. This privilege made Manresa unique for many years.
Challenges to Odo's Rule
To gain more support, Odo showed respect to King Arnulf of Carinthia of East Francia in 888. Despite this, Arnulf later decided to support Charles the Simple. After three years of conflict, Odo had to make an agreement with Charles. He gave Charles control over a part of the kingdom north of the Seine River. Odo died in La Fère on January 1, 898.
See also
In Spanish: Eudes de Francia para niños
