# Hugh Capet elected king (987)

URL: https://history-france.com/timeline/987-hugh-capet-elected-king
Location: Senlis / Noyon
Categories: ruler-change, main-event

Great nobles chose Hugh Capet, founding the dynasty that dominated France for centuries. 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 Hugh Capet (King of the Franks). Hugh Capet elected 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
Hugh Capet elected king mattered because succession and legitimacy shaped alliances, institutions and the direction of state policy.

Ruler at the time: [Hugh Capet](https://history-france.com/rulers/hugh-capet)

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