Coronation of Louis IV as King of West Francia
936 · Late Antiquity
On June 19, 936, fifteen-year-old Louis IV was crowned King of West Francia at Laon after being recalled from exile in Wessex, where he had lived since infancy. Known as "d'Outremer" (from overseas), he was the last Carolingian heir, summoned by Duke Hugh the Great, who expected a compliant ruler. Louis defied those expectations, spending much of his reign in conflict with Hugh and other magnates over royal authority. His coronation by Archbishop Artald of Reims continued Carolingian ceremonial traditions even as actual royal power diminished.
Key Figures
Louis IV d'OutremerEadgifu of WessexHugh the GreatArtald of Reims
Locations
LaonAbbey of Notre-Dame and Saint-JeanReims
Topics
Carolingian dynastyCharles the SimpleLouis IVEadgifu of WessexEdward the Elder of WessexWest Francia
Connected Events — 2 Connections
Louis IV reign demonstrated declining Carolingian power as kings depended on magnates like Hugh the Great, setting conditions for the Capetian takeover Hugh Capet Elected King of France, Founding the Capetian Dynasty
Charles the Simple grant of Normandy weakened Carolingian authority, contributing to crisis that exiled Louis IV Establishment of the Duchy of Normandy
The Time Detectives® · Cadet Mission
Investigate This Event
Place it on the timeline. Earn points. Master the connections.
New to The Time Detectives?
Learn what it is →