The Carolingians

(778-840), known as “The Pious” and Le Débonnaire (“The Gracious”), was son and successor of Emperor Charlemagne. As head of the Frankish Empire he ruled the areas that later became France and Germany. Charlemagne crowned Louis king of Aquitaine when he was only three years old. He succeeded his father as emperor in 814. Louis was twice deposed by his sons but in both cases was restored shortly afterward. He was called Ludwig by his German subjects.

(846-879), called “The Stammerer,” was the son of Charles the Bald and grandson of Louis I. He reigned 877-79.

(863?-882) ruled France jointly with his brother Carloman from 879 until his death. He and his brother opposed secession by Burgundy and Provence and repulsed an invasion by Norsemen in the battle at Saucourt, 881.

(912?-954) was called d'Outremer (“from beyond the sea”) because he spent his youth in England. Hugh the Great, count of Paris, was his principal supporter when he became king in 936, but they had a falling out. Louis was Hugh's prisoner in 944, being released only after he gave up Laon to Hugh. Eventually, with the aid of his brother-in-law Otto I of Germany, Louis was able to force Hugh to submit to his authority.

(966-987), called “The Sluggard,” reigned 986-87.