Capetian
Capetian refers to the Capetian dynasty, the royal house of France founded by Hugh Capet, who was elected king of West Francia in 987. The dynasty took its name from Capet and established hereditary succession, which over time helped shift power toward a centralized royal authority and laid the groundwork for a centralized French state. The term encompasses the direct Capetian line as well as its cadet branches that followed.
Over the ensuing centuries, Capetian kings gradually strengthened royal power despite early limits posed by powerful
In 1328 the direct Capetian line ended with Charles IV, and the throne passed to the cadet
Legacy: The Capetians played a central role in shaping the French state, its institutions, and the principles