Robert II of France

Reign: 996 – 1031
Life: 972–1031

Crowned junior king in 987, he assisted his father on military matters (notably during the two sieges of Laon, in 988 and 991). Continuing the political work of his father after becoming sole ruler in 996, he managed to maintain the alliance with the Duchy of Normandy and the County of Anjou and thus was able to contain the ambitions of Count Odo II of Blois. Robert II distinguished himself with an extraordinarily long reign for the time. His life was then presented as a model to follow, made of innumerable pious donations to various religious establishments, of charity towards the poor and, above all, of gestures considered sacred, such as the healing of certain lepers.

During Robert II of France's reign, Olof Skötkonung ruled Sweden, Emperor Shengzong of Liao ruled China, and Cnut the Great ruled England.

Want to learn more? Further reading

The Cambridge Illustrated History of France by Colin Jones

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The most notable rulers who held power elsewhere at the same time, from European courts to Ottoman, Mughal, and Chinese thrones.

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