Fleur-de-lys coat of arms
The House of Capet was a dynasty of Frankish origin, first taking power in France under Hugh Capet. It ruled France from 987 to 1328, and it ruled until its extinction on Charles IV of France's death. It was succeeded by the House of Valois, founded by Charles IVs Uncle, Charles of Valois.
History[]
Members of the dynasty were traditionally Catholic; early Capetians had an alliance with the church. The French were also active participants in the Crusades, culminating in a series of five crusader kings - Louis VII, Philip II of France, Louis VIII of France, Louis IX of France, and Philip III of France. The Capetian alliance with the papacy suffered a severe blow after the disaster of the Aragonese Crusade, during which the French failed in crusading against the Pope's Aragonese enemies. The House of Capet was extinct after the death of Charles IV of France in 1328, and the House of Valois cadet branch would succed the Capetians.