20 Most Evil People of the 11th Century CE

Key Facts

Other names
Born	972
Location	Orléans, France
Bloodline	Capet
Married	Yes
Children	Henry I
Position	King of Franks (993-1031)
Died	July 1031 (Aged 59)

Source of Facts and Important Announcement

Status	Under Article 64.6 of the Covenant of One-Heaven (Pactum De Singularis Caelum) by Special Qualification shall be known as a Saint, with all sins and evil acts they performed forgiven.
Date of formal Beatification	Day of Redemption UCA[E1:Y1:A1:S1:M9:D1] also known as Fri, 21 Dec 2012.
Source of Facts	Self Confession and Revelation of Sainthood by the Deceased Spirit as condition of their confirmation as a true Saint.

Background

Born the son of Hugh Capet, the 1st Capet King of France. At the age of 15, his father Hugh finally seized power of the throne of West Francia (France) with the assistance of Catholic Pope Sylvester II.

There was little joy for Hugh in his new found kingship as the legitimate Carolingian brother of King Lothair, Charles, Duke of Lorraine (953-993) had succeeded in capturing the ancient capital of Charlemagne at Aachen and moved immediately on the forces of the Capet pretender king. Hugh and Robert remained effectively isolated in Paris while rolling battles continued with the forces of Charles, Duke of Lorraine and the Capet militia.

By 993, Pope Sylvester II hatched a plan and convinced Charles, Duke of Lorraine to attend a meeting, presumably concerning the promised removal of Hugh and the reinstatement of the legitimate Carolingians. However, Pope Sylvester II tricked Charles and his son and had them imprisoned by the forces of Hugh at Orléans. The legitimate heirs died in prison within the year.

Contrary to the creative history of his descendents, it is almost certain that Robert was not crowned co-ruler until 993 at the age of 21. In 996, his father died and Robert became sole ruler.

His relationship with Pope Sylvester II was historically difficult. Sylvester largely ignored Robert and pursued his own agenda, treaties and projects, forcing Robert to bow to his authority. Robert's lack of strategic judgment had resulted in not less than two failed marriages when he petitioned Sylvester for yet another annulment in order to mary Constance of Arles, daughter of William I of Provence. The stubborn refusal of Robert to yield to Sylvester II resulted in his brief excommunication --legally preventing him from re-marriage until 1001.

Similar to his lack of foresight in marriage, Robert displayed no real skill in military campaigns. His invasion of the Duchy of Burgundy in 1003 was a disaster--probably only saved because of the all powerful influence of Sylvester II at the time.

In 1012, Pope Sylvester II, died and Robert II chose his son Gérard I of Riom as the new Catholic Pope Nicholas II (1012-1046).

Upon the death of Sylvester, the control of Robert over his kingdom began to diminish. To attempt to ensure the safety of his family line, he had his eldest son Hugh crowned as co-ruler in 1017 at the age of 20. However King Robert's younger sons Henry and Robert resented their lack of title and lands, and the power of Hugh.

By 1021, civil war was looming with the brothers in arms against each other and their father. In 1025, King Hugh was killed in a battle with his brother Henry, who also captured his father Robert II. In the same year, to strengthen his claim as King, Henry ensured his brother and ally Robert was made Duke of Burgundy.

King Robert initially refused to have Henry crowned as the co-ruler, but by 1027 relented and Henry became effective king of the Franks. Robert II died in July 1031, a prisoner of his own son. he was succeeded by his son King Henry of France.


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