Robert I of France facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Robert I
Robert I as depicted in a 14th century family tree of the Robertians
King of West Francia
Reign	29 June 922 – 15 June 923
Coronation	29 June 922, Rheims
Predecessor	Charles the Simple
Successor	Rudolph
Born	c. 866
Died	15 June 923 (aged 57) Soissons, France
Burial	Abbey of Sainte-Colombe, Saint-Denis-lès-Sens [fr]
Spouse	Aelis Béatrice of Vermandois
Issue more...	Emma, Queen of West Francia Hugh the Great
House	Robertian
Father	Robert the Strong
Mother	Adelaide of Tours

Robert I (born around 866 – died June 15, 923) was a king of West Francia. This kingdom later became known as France. He ruled from 922 to 923 after being chosen by important nobles.

Before becoming king, Robert held many important titles. He was the Count of Poitiers and Count of Paris. He was also a Marquis (a type of noble) in areas like Neustria and Orléans. Robert became king after Charles the Simple was removed from power. Charles had become king in 898, taking over from Robert's brother, King Odo.

Early Life and Rise to Power

Robert was born in 866. His father was Robert the Strong, who was the count of Anjou. His mother was Adelaide of Tours. Robert's older brother, Odo, became king of West Francia in 888. During Odo's rule, the city of Paris became the main capital of the kingdom. Robert and Odo belonged to a powerful family called the Robertians. This family later led to the Capetian dynasty, which ruled France for a very long time.

In 885, Robert helped defend Paris during a big attack by Vikings. This event is known as the Viking siege of Paris. His brother, King Odo, gave Robert control over several counties, including Paris. He also made Robert an abbot (a leader of a monastery) in many abbeys. Robert also gained the important military title of Dux Francorum. This meant he was a top military leader.

When his brother Odo died in 898, Robert did not try to become king. Instead, he accepted that Charles the Simple was the rightful king. Charles was from the Carolingian family, an older royal line. King Charles then confirmed Robert's titles and lands. Robert continued to protect the northern parts of Francia from Viking attacks. In 921, Robert defeated a large group of Vikings in the Loire Valley. After their defeat, these Vikings agreed to become Christians and settled near Nantes.

Becoming King

The peace between King Charles the Simple and Robert, his powerful noble, did not last. Around 921, King Charles showed too much favor to a man named Hagano. This made many important church leaders and nobles angry. Robert and his supporters decided to act. They raised an army and forced King Charles to flee to Lotharingia.

On June 29, 922, Robert was crowned king of the Franks (rex Francorum) at Rheims. His rule, however, was challenged by Rollo, a Viking leader. Rollo had settled in the Duchy of Normandy in 911 with King Charles's permission. Rollo remained loyal to Charles, who still claimed to be the true king.

King Charles gathered his own army and marched against Robert. On June 15, 923, a big battle took place at Soissons. This was the Battle of Soissons. During this battle, King Robert was killed. However, Robert's army won the battle. King Charles was captured and remained a prisoner until he died in 929. Robert was succeeded as king by his son-in-law, Rudolph, Count of Burgundy.

Family

Robert had two wives and several children.

His first wife was Aelis. They had:

• Adela (also known as Adelaide or Adelais), who married Herbert II, Count of Vermandois.
• Emma of France, who married Rudolph, Duke of Burgundy. Rudolph later became king after Robert.

Robert married for the second time around 890. His second wife was Beatrice of Vermandois. She was the daughter of Herbert I, Count of Vermandois. Together, Robert and Beatrice had:

• Hugh the Great, who became a very important military leader (dux Francorum). Hugh was the father of Hugh Capet, who later became the first king of the Capetian dynasty.

See also

In Spanish: Roberto I de Francia para niños