# Robert II succeeds Hugh Capet (996)

URL: https://history-france.com/timeline/996-robert-ii-succeeds-hugh-capet
Location: France
Categories: ruler-change, main-event

Capetian succession continued, gradually making hereditary rule customary. 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 Robert II (King of the Franks). Robert II succeeds Hugh Capet 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
Robert II succeeds Hugh Capet mattered because succession and legitimacy shaped alliances, institutions and the direction of state policy.

Ruler at the time: [Robert II](https://history-france.com/rulers/robert-ii)

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