West Francia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Kingdom of the West Franks
Regnum Francorum Occidentalium
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| 843–987 | |||||||||
Kingdom of the West Franks (red) in 843.
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| Capital | Paris | ||||||||
| Common languages | Latin (liturgical; official); (popular:-) Old French, Old Occitan, etc. |
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| Religion | Roman Catholicism | ||||||||
| Government | Monarchy | ||||||||
| King, Emperor | |||||||||
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• 840–877
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Charles II (first) | ||||||||
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• 986–987
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Louis V (last) | ||||||||
| Historical era | Middle Ages | ||||||||
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• Treaty of Verdun, divides Francia into three realms
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843 | ||||||||
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• Treaty of Meerssen
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8 August 870 | ||||||||
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• Treaty of Ribemont
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880 | ||||||||
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• Disestablished
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3 July 987 | ||||||||
| Currency | Solidus, Triens, Denarius, Pfennig | ||||||||
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| Today part of |  Andorra Belgium France Netherlands Spain |
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West Francia, also known as the West Frankish Kingdom, was an important kingdom in Western Europe. It existed from 843 to 987. This kingdom was formed from the western part of the huge Carolingian Empire. It came under the rule of Charles the Bald, who was a grandson of the famous emperor Charlemagne. This happened because of a very important agreement called the Treaty of Verdun in 843.
West Francia is seen as the beginning of both medieval France and the modern country of France we know today.
Contents
How West Francia Began
The Carolingian Empire Splits Up
The Frankish Empire was a massive realm that covered a large part of Western Europe. It was united by Charlemagne, a very powerful emperor. However, after Charlemagne's son, Louis the Pious, passed away, his three grandsons started a civil war. This war lasted for three years, from 840 to 843.
The grandsons were Charles the Bald, Louis the German, and Lothair I. Charles the Bald and Louis the German teamed up against their brother Lothair I.
The Treaty of Verdun
To end the fighting, the three brothers signed the Treaty of Verdun in 843. This treaty divided the Frankish Empire into three separate kingdoms:
- East Francia (which became Germany)
- Middle Francia (a long strip of land in the middle)
- West Francia, or the Western Realm
Charles the Bald received West Francia. This event marked the official start of the West Frankish Kingdom.
Life in West Francia
Who Ruled West Francia?
West Francia was a monarchy, meaning it was ruled by a king. The first king was Charles the Bald, who ruled from 840 to 877. The last king of West Francia was Louis V, who ruled from 986 to 987.
Kings in West Francia were also sometimes called "King of the Franks" or even "Emperor."
What Languages Did People Speak?
In West Francia, the official language for church services and important documents was Latin. However, everyday people spoke different languages. These included early forms of what would become Old French and Old Occitan.
What Was the Main Religion?
The main religion in West Francia was Roman Catholicism. The Catholic Church played a very important role in people's lives and in the kingdom's politics.
The End of West Francia
The Rise of the Capetian Dynasty
West Francia lasted until 987. In that year, a powerful noble named Hugh Capet became king. He was the Duke of France and the Count of Paris. When he became king, he started a new royal family called the Capetian dynasty.
The Capetian dynasty and its related families, like the Valois and Bourbon houses, ruled France for more than 800 years! This marked the official transition from West Francia to the Kingdom of France.
Images for kids
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Map of the division of Francia enacted at Verdun in 843. From Ridpath's Universal History (1895)
See also
In Spanish: Francia Occidental para niños
