Hugh the Great | |
---|---|
Duke of the Franks | |
Count of Paris | |
Reign | 923–956 |
Predecessor | Robert I of France |
Successor | Hugh Capet |
Born | c. 898 Paris |
Died | 16 June 956 Dourdan |
Burial | |
Spouse | Judith Eadhild Hedwig of Saxony |
Issue | Beatrice of France Hugh Capet Emma of Paris, Duchess of Normandy Otto, Duke of Burgundy Henry I, Duke of Burgundy |
House | Robertians |
Father | Robert I of France |
Mother | Beatrice of Vermandois |
Hugh the Great (c. 898[1] – 16 June 956) was the duke of the Franks and count of Paris. He was the most powerful magnate in France.
Son of King Robert I of France, Hugh was Margrave of Neustria. He played an active role in bringing King Louis d'Outremer back from England in 936. Seeking an alliance with the Holy Roman Emperor, Otto the Great, he married Otto's younger sister, Hedwig of Saxony in 937. They were the parents of Hugh Capet. Hedwig's sister, Gerberga of Saxony, was the wife of Louis IV of France. Although he often fought with Louis, he supported the accession of Louis and Gerberga's son, Lothair of France.