Quick Facts
Charles the Simple. Gave Normandy to Vikings for peace — a gamble that shaped Europe.
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Life Journey
Charles III, also known as Charles the Simple, was born to King Louis II the Stammerer and Anna of Burgundy.
Charles, the youngest son of King Louis II, grows up in the royal court, surrounded by the politics and intrigues of the time.
Charles's father dies, and his older brother, Louis III, becomes king. Charles is still too young to inherit the throne.
Charles begins to observe the complex court politics and the struggles for power among the nobility and the Carolingian dynasty.
As the last surviving male heir of the Carolingian dynasty, Charles becomes a focal point for nobles seeking a strong central ruler to stabilize the kingdom.
Charles is crowned King of West Francia, inheriting a kingdom beset by Viking invasions and internal strife among the nobility.
Charles marries Eadgifu, the daughter of King Edward the Elder of Wessex, strengthening diplomatic ties between West Francia and England.
Charles and Eadgifu welcome their son, Louis, who will later become King Louis IV of West Francia.
Charles leads a successful campaign against the Vikings, temporarily securing the northern borders of the kingdom.
Charles signs a treaty with Rollo, granting him the region of Normandy in exchange for his conversion to Christianity and protection against other Viking raids.
Robert I, a powerful noble, rebels against Charles, challenging his authority and leading to a period of internal conflict.
Charles launches a campaign to suppress rebellions by various nobles, seeking to reassert his control over the kingdom.
Charles's attempt to besiege Paris, which is held by his rival Robert I, ends in failure, weakening his position as king.
Charles is deposed by the nobility and forced into exile, with Robert I becoming the new king. Charles retreats to the court of Henry the Fowler in Germany.
Charles attempts to retake the throne with the support of Henry the Fowler but is defeated and captured by Robert I's forces.
Charles III dies while in captivity, marking the end of his reign and the decline of the Carolingian dynasty in West Francia.