# Charles the Simple becomes king (898)

URL: https://history-france.com/timeline/898-charles-the-simple-becomes-king
Location: West Francia
Categories: ruler-change

The Carolingian claimant succeeded Odo and restored his dynasty. Within the broader West Francia & Early Capetians period, After the Treaty of Verdun, West Francia developed under Carolingian, Robertian and Capetian rulers. Viking settlement, feudal lordship, church reform and expanding royal authority reshaped the kingdom. At this point in the timeline, the relevant governing authority is Charles III the Simple (King of West Francia). Charles the Simple becomes king mattered because succession and legitimacy shaped alliances, institutions and the direction of state policy. The event is positioned here so visitors can read it alongside changes in government, warfare, society, religion, culture and France’s wider international setting.

## Why it matters
Charles the Simple becomes king mattered because succession and legitimacy shaped alliances, institutions and the direction of state policy.

Ruler at the time: [Charles III the Simple](https://history-france.com/rulers/charles-iii-the-simple)

## Sources
- [Wikipedia topic lookup — Charles the Simple becomes king](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:Search?search=Charles+the+Simple+becomes+king&go=Go)
- [Encyclopaedia Britannica topic lookup — Charles the Simple becomes king](https://www.britannica.com/search?query=Charles+the+Simple+becomes+king)
- [Wikipedia — Timeline of French history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timeline_of_French_history)