Called "The Fat," King of France (1108-1137), son and successor of Philip I. Almost his entire reign was spent in subduing the robber barons who preyed on the environs of Paris, but were finally forced to yield to royal authority. For som 20 years during the period 1109-1135, Louis waged war against Henry I, the Norman King of England, and Agasinst Henry's son-in-law, Holy Roman Emperor Henry V; he successfully repelled an invasion by Henry V in 1124. Louis greatly strengthened the royal power in France, granted benefactions to the church and privileges to towns, and became known as the protector of the peasants and as a fearless military leader.
Called "The Fat," King of France (1108-1137), son and successor of Philip I. Almost his entire reign was spent in subduing the robber barons who preyed on the environs of Paris, but were finally forced to yield to royal authority. For som 20 years during the period 1109-1135, Louis waged war against Henry I, the Norman King of England, and Agasinst Henry's son-in-law, Holy Roman Emperor Henry V; he successfully repelled an invasion by Henry V in 1124. Louis greatly strengthened the royal power in France, granted benefactions to the church and privileges to towns, and became known as the protector of the peasants and as a fearless military leader.
Henry I (of France) (circa 1008-60). king of France (1031-60), son of King Robert II and grandson of Hugh Capet, founder of the Capetian dunasty. From the beginning of his reign he was occupied with putting down rebellions led by members of his family and other french nobles. Between 1035 and 1047 he assisted his nephew William, duke of Normandy, later William the Conqueror, king of England, in establishing Williams anthority over rebellious Norman nobles. Henry later grew jealous of William's power and waged unsuccessful war against him in 1045 and 1058. Henry was succeeded by his son, Phillip I.
In the 41st of King Henry III, when Llewellyn ap Griffith menaced the marshes of Wales with a great army, was commanded by the king to defend his own marshes about Gower.
Vladimar, Saint (circa 956-1015), grand prince of Kyyiv, whose baptism made Orthodox Christianity the official religion of Russia. Born in Kyyiv, Vladimar was a pagan at the beginning of his reign, which was at first devoted to consolidating his territories into a unified Russian state. In exchange for helping the Byzantine emperor Basil II suppress a rebellion, Vladimar was allowed to marry the emperor's sister, Anne, at which time he accepted Christianity. Allied to Byzantum by religious and family ties, Vladimar introduced Byzantine civilization into Russia by building churches, suppressing paganism, and making social reforms. Nonetheless, he remained open to Western influences, which are reflected in his legislation.
In exchange for helping the Byzantine emperor, Basil II, suppress a rebellion, Vladimar was allowed to marry the emperor's sister, Anne, at which time (988) Vladimir accepted christianity.
Called Robert the Pious because of his humility and charity. Educated at Reims under the French scholar Gerbert, who later became Pope Sylvester II. In 1003, married the daughter of the marquis of Provence, Constance of Arles, by whom he had four sons. He recognized Hugh, the eldest of these sons, as his cuccessor. After Huigh's death in 1025, the other sons, aided by their mother, revolted; Robert was still fighting them at the time of his own death. He was also esteemed as a soldier and ruler.
A royal composer, chorister and poet. He used to conduct the matins and vespers in his royal robes. He was truly a devout man. He wrote that most beautiful hymn in Latin poetry: "Come, Holy Ghost, in love, Shed on us from above Thine own bright ray."
Countess of Tolouse Constance de Tolouse
Daughter of William, Count of Tolouse.
Founder of the Capetian dynasty, succeeded to the throne in 956. His lordship over many fiefs around Paris and Orleans made him the virtual ruler of France, and when King Louis V of France, the last of the Carolingian line, died without an heir in 987, Hugh's numerous vassals enabled him to win the election to the throne, defeating the Carolingian candidate Charles, duke of Loraine. Charles and many other great nobles of the realm attempted to resist his authority but, through force of arms and by judicious purchasing of allegiance, as well as the support of the church, of which he was a devout member, Hugh established a meassured of order withdin his kingdom. He had his son Robert the Pious (later Robert II) elected and crowned his associate and successor in 968, thereby confirming the house of Capet which ruled France until 1328.
Otto I, the Great, was the first king to become Holy Roman Emperor. He followed his father, Henry I, as king of Germany in 936. Otto's father had actually ruled only his own duchy of Saxony, but Otto tried to rule all Germany. The other German princes began a series of revolts. At the same time, the Slavs in Poland and Bohemia revolted, and the Magyars, or Hungarians, invaded Germany. Otto crushed the Magyars in the battle of the Lech River in 955. The Poles and Bohemians were forced to accept his rule. Otto was able to replace most of the rebellious princes with members of his own family. The young king of Arles, or Burgundy, also had to accept German rule. Otto then turned his attention toward Italy. He married the widow of an earlier Italian king, and defeated the rival for the throne. In 961, Otto crossed the Alps in answer to an appeal from Pope John XII to put down an uprising in Rome. For this service, Otto was crowned as the Holy Roman Emperor.