From Merovingians to Portugal: The Royal Lineage

France’s history is a fascinating tapestry of dynasties, cadet branches, and influential figures who shaped Europe. From the Merovingians to the Capetians, and through the Dukes of Burgundy, this lineage gave rise to both the Portuguese royal line and notable figures like St. Bernard of Clairvaux.

1. The Merovingian Dynasty (c. 481–751)

The Merovingians were the first hereditary kings of the Franks. Their reign laid the groundwork for medieval France.

Key rulers include:

• Clovis I (481–511) – United most Frankish tribes and converted to Christianity.

• Chlothar II (584–629) – Consolidated Frankish kingdoms.

• Dagobert I (629–639) – Last strong Merovingian king.

• Childeric III (743–751) – The last Merovingian king; mostly a figurehead.

The decline of the Merovingians allowed the Mayors of the Palace, such as Charles Martel, to become the real power behind the throne.

2. The Carolingian Dynasty (751–987)

Pepin the Short, son of Charles Martel, deposed Childeric III and became king in 751. His dynasty expanded and consolidated the Frankish Empire.

Notable Carolingians:

• Pepin the Short (751–768) – Strengthened royal authority.

• Charlemagne (768–814) – Expanded the empire and was crowned Emperor in 800.

• Louis I “the Pious” (814–840) – Oversaw internal empire divisions.

• Charles II “the Bald” (843–877) – Ruled after the Treaty of Verdun split the empire.

By the 10th century, Carolingian power waned, paving the way for the Capetians.

3. The Capetian Dynasty (987–1328)

Hugh Capet, elected king in 987, founded the Capetian dynasty, securing a hereditary monarchy.

Key Capetian rulers:

• Hugh Capet (941–996) – Founder of the dynasty.

• Robert II “the Pious” (972–1031) – Consolidated royal power.

• Philip II “Augustus” (1180–1223) – Centralized authority and expanded the kingdom.

• Louis IX “Saint Louis” (1226–1270) – Known for justice and piety.

• Philip IV “the Fair” (1285–1314) – His sons’ deaths triggered the Capetian succession crisis.

End of the direct Capetians:

• Louis X (1314–1316), Philip V (1316–1322), Charles IV (1322–1328) – All died without surviving male heirs, ending the direct line.

4. The Dukes of Burgundy and Cadet Branches

A cadet branch of the Capetians arose in Burgundy:

• Robert I, Duke of Burgundy (1011–1076) – Grandson of Hugh Capet.

• Henry, Duke of Burgundy – Son of Robert I.

• Burgundy’s cadet lines expanded influence into both politics and religion, connecting to important figures like St. Bernard of Clairvaux.

5. The Portugal Connection: Henry of Portucale

• Henry of Burgundy (c. 1066–1112), son of Henry, Duke of Burgundy, married Teresa of León, illegitimate daughter of King Alfonso VI of León and Castile.

• Became Count of Portucale in northern Portugal.

• Their son, Afonso Henriques (Afonso I of Portugal, 1109–1185), declared independence from León and became the first King of Portugal in 1139.

This makes the Portuguese royal line a direct offshoot of the Capetian dynasty via Burgundy.

6. The Montbards and St. Bernard of Clairvaux

Parallel to the Burgundy-Portugal branch, the Montbard family contributed to religious history:

• St. Bernard of Clairvaux (1090–1153), born Bernard de Fontaine, was from the Montbard family.

• His mother, Aleth de Montbard, linked him to the Burgundian cadet lines of the Capetians.

• St. Bernard became a key religious leader, reforming the Cistercian order and advising kings across Europe.

Thus, through the Montbards, the Capetian-Burgundy network also influenced religion and culture, not just politics.

7. The Valois Dynasty Begins (1328)

• After the death of Charles IV, the direct Capetian line ended.

• Philip VI of Valois (1328–1350), a cousin from the Capetian-Valois branch, became king, marking the start of the Valois dynasty and eventually triggering the Hundred Years’ War with England.

Conclusion

From the Merovingians to the Capetians, and through the cadet branches of Burgundy and Montbard, France’s royal lineage shaped not only French history but also that of Portugal and the wider European religious world.

• Henry of Portucale founded the Portuguese monarchy.

• St. Bernard of Clairvaux influenced European Christianity.

• Meanwhile, the main Capetian line evolved into the Valois kings, leading France into a new medieval era.

The French royal family was not just a line of kings—it was a network of dynasties branching into Europe, leaving lasting legacies in both politics and faith.