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Royaume de France: An Alternate History of France




Chapter One-The House of Burgundy



Part 1: Foundations





In 898, the King of France, Odo, died. A veteran and hero of the Viking Siege of Paris in 886, he was chosen to succeed Charles the Fat after the latter's failed attempt to reunite the Carolingian Empire and subsequent death. Odo, during his reign, had often been forced to compete with his rival claimant to the throne, Charles III (Otherwise known as "The Simple" or "The Straightforward"), who had a longer-standing claim to the Kingship of West Francia. Charles, over time, gained the support of many French nobles and even the King of East Francia, Arnulf of Carinthia. Now that Odo had passed away, Charles had his chance to claim the throne. [1]​

The only thing that stood in Charles' way now was Odo's brother, Robert. Robert, thanks to classic Medieval nepotism, had been granted multiple titles and a good portion of land; during Odo's reign, he was appointed as Count of Paris, Count of Poitiers, and the Marquis of Neustria and Orleans. Now it seemed that Robert would succeed his brother and add a fourth title to his list. But this was not so. Instead of claiming the throne for himself, he proclaimed his support for Charles' kingship, so that his titles remained secure. [2]​



A portrait of Charles the Simple.

But Robert's, and other French nobles', support of Charles the Simple was not to last. As Charles' reign continued, the French aristocracy grew more and more discontent with his rule. They were especially displeased at Charles' favor shown towards Hagano, a lesser noble who had gained influence over to Charles. Over time, as Hagano grew closer to Charles, and became his favored advisor, the nobles became angrier towards Charles' rule. Things came to a head when, in 919, several West Frankish Barons refused to help Charles repel a Magyar invasion. After this, much French nobility started to act on their own; Robert joined their ranks as well, being equally displeased with the reign of Charles.​

The many discontent nobles soon saw it fit to name Robert as their leader, along with Rudolph II, the Duke of Burgundy [3]. Robert, seeking an ally, soon betrothed his daughter Emma to the King of Upper Burgundy, Rudolph II [4]. In return, Rudolph promised military support of Robert's claim. In 922, with the help of the two Rudolphs and numerous French nobles, Robert marched against Charles in order to take the throne and fulfill his claim. The allied forces quickly drove Charles out into Lorraine. Robert was subsequently crowned Rex Francorum on June 29 at Rheims. [5]​



Robert, as Rex Francorum.

Charles the Simple had not given up yet however. He gathered an army, and returned to West Francia to fight Robert and take back the throne. The two men and their respective forces met at Soissons, and did battle. The clash intially went well for Charles; Rudolph, the Duke of Burgundy [6], and Robert's son Hugh, were both slain in battle. However, Robert and Charles eventually faced one another in one-on-one combat. Robert gained the upper hand and killed his rival, cementing his position as the King of East Francia [7].​

Complications arose soon after the battle due to the loss of Robert's only son. Since the only children he had left were two daughters, a debate broke out among the French nobles over who would be Robert's successor. Since women could not inherit property, according to Salic Law, Robert's line of succession would be strangled in its infancy. It seemed that Robert's eventual death would soon be followed by a conflict for the Kingship of France. Thankfully, though, it was eventually settled that the husband of Robert's first daughter, Rudolph II, the King of Upper Burgundy, would be Robert's successor.​

The nobles were satisfied, and Robert soon cemented the agreement by having Rudolph named as the next Rex Francorum. The future of West Francia now belonged to a Burgundian.​








[1] All happened in OTL.

[2] OTL again.

[3] Not to be confused with Rudolph II, the currently-reigning King of Upper Burgundy.

[4] Speaking of Rudolph II... By the way, this is part 1 of the PoD.

[5] Except for the mentioned PoD, still mostly OTL.

[6] Again, not to be confused with Rudolph II, King of Upper Burgundy.

[7] Part 2 of the PoD.
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