The Bastard's Gambit: How a Forgotten Illegitimate Son Seized the Throne of France Podcast By cover art

The Bastard's Gambit: How a Forgotten Illegitimate Son Seized the Throne of France

The Bastard's Gambit: How a Forgotten Illegitimate Son Seized the Throne of France

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What does it take to steal a kingdom? In 987 AD, the Carolingian dynasty that had ruled Francia for centuries was extinguished, not by invasion or plague, but by a cunning political coup. The man who orchestrated it was Hugh Capet, a figure often remembered as a weak king. But his rise was engineered by a shadowy, brilliant figure operating from behind the throne: his illegitimate half-brother, Archbishop Adalberon of Reims. This episode delves into the clandestine plot that birthed modern France. We explore how Adalberon, the ultimate political insider, used his position as the realm's leading churchman to manipulate nobles, forge documents, and stage a sham election. We’ll trace the network of lies and strategic marriages that isolated the last legitimate Carolingian heir, the teenage Louis V, and positioned Hugh, the "Duke of the Franks," as the only viable alternative. Listeners will uncover the brutal realities of early medieval kingmaking, where bloodline was negotiable and sacred authority was the ultimate weapon. You’ll learn how a single, ambitious cleric rewrote the rules of succession, founding the Capetian dynasty that would rule for over 800 years and solidify the very concept of France. The crown wasn't inherited; it was hijacked in a cathedral. #CarolingianDynasty #HughCapet #AdalberonOfReims #CapetianCoup #MedievalKingmaking #Year987 #FrenchMonarchy Hosted by Ibnul Jaif Farabi. Produced by Light Knot Studios (lightknotstudios.com).
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