French people elected a new king: Hugues Capet, count of Paris and duke of France.

If France were still a monarchy, it would be the oldest European monarchy. Unfortunately, the 18th century Revolution decided differently.

France is dominated by the most powerful lords who share the territory when Hugues Capet is elected in the year 987. Since this election, France will not know invasions any more but the greatest part of the french territories have been distributed to the lords thanks their services and the territories of the king were reduced to a small field located in "Ile-de-France".

Hugues Capet was crowned and anointed by a bishop in Rheims and recognized as king by divine right.

The religious crowning ensured the king a super natural capacity which distinguished him from his people and made him prestigious.

Hugues Capet founded the Capetians hereditary dynasty which will last from the year 987 until the year 1328. As of this date, French monarchy will be perpetuated by Saint-Louis' youngest son progeny: the Valois. At the end of the Valois branch the Bourbon branch will assume the crown of France and there are still descendants which reign on Spain (King Juan Carlos de Bourbon). The current count of Paris is the progeny of this same branch: the Orleans (lineage of Louis XIV's brother).

The hand of justice out of ivory was probably used for the Capetians Kings crowning. The three fingers are the Holy Trinity symbol which confirms the religious power of the king especially to cure scrofula.

During his reign, Hugues Capet named his heir. It is his elder son who will succeed to the king. This nomination ensures the perpetuation of the dynasty as well as a stable monarchy. The blazon of the French royalty, evolving through the centuries will be a lilyflower on a blue bottom and since Anne of Britain reign it will be bordered with ermine.

Hugues Capet had married Adelaide of Aquitaine who gave him four children including the future Robert II the Pious.

Women did not take a great part of activity during Hugues Capet reign. Nevertheless I thought it was necessary to talk about him because his descendants - and especially their wives or mistresses - will leave their traces in the history.

Some of them will fire Europe - as did Elisabeth of Bavaria - and others will bring peace.

In these times men had very little consideration for women. No matter they were slaves, farmers, ladies or princess they were excellent exchange currencies, even sometimes hostages.

A great number of ladies or princess married crown princes in order to sign a peace agreement - illusory or short duration in the majority of the cases. Such Alienor of Austria, Charles Quint's sister who married Francois the Ist of France, bringing peace in her dowry basket but since her husband never loved her she lived unhappy in the kingdom of France.