King Franks: Roman. Moskalev V.V.

Hugo Kapet became the king of France in 987. But it was more likely a title than power. The vassals of the crown were too strong and independent. Hugo had to put a lot of effort and means to gain their trust and raise his authority of the monarch. Skillfully taking advantage of the differences among the feudal lords, the support of the Church and being a born diplomat, Hugo Kapet increased the royal domain several times, forced many stronger rulers to reckon with him and achieved the transfer of the throne by his son Robert, known in history as King Robert II of the pious.