The Death of Hugh Capet and the Restoration of Arnulf (996)

On October 24, 996, Hugh Capet, the first king of the Capetian dynasty, died, marking the end of his reign and the beginning of Robert II’s sole rule. His death led to political shifts in the French Church, particularly the restoration of Arnulf of Reims, and sparked anti-Jewish sentiment due to false accusations surrounding his passing.

The Restoration of Arnulf of Reims

• Arnulf, the deposed Archbishop of Reims, had been imprisoned following his Carolingian sympathies and role in aiding Charles of Lorraine against Hugh.
• Upon Hugh’s death, Arnulf was released and soon restored to his ecclesiastical office, as the political climate shifted under Robert II.
• His return to power symbolized the weakening of the strict Capetian control over the French Church, at least temporarily.

The False Accusation Against Hugh’s Physician

• A Jewish physician who had attended Hugh Capet was falsely accused of poisoning the king.
• This accusation was exploited by anti-Jewish factions, leading to renewed arguments that Jews should not hold important positions in the kingdom.
• Although there was no credible evidence of foul play, the claim fueled anti-Semitic sentiment, setting a precedent for later discrimination against Jewish communities in medieval France.

Hugh’s Burial and the Continuation of the Capetian Dynasty

• Hugh Capet was interred at the Basilica of Saint-Denis, the traditional burial site of French kings, reinforcing the Capetians' claim to Carolingian legitimacy.
• His son, Robert II ("the Pious"), who had already been crowned co-king in 987, assumed full royal authority.
• Soon after, Robert married his cousin, Bertha of Burgundy, a politically significant but ultimately controversial union that would be contested by the Church.

Legacy

Hugh Capet’s death in 996 marked a turning point for the Capetian dynasty. His careful groundwork had ensured the continuity of Capetian rule, but challenges remained, particularly in securing the monarchy’s authority against powerful nobles and navigating conflicts with the papacy over Robert’s marriage. Meanwhile, the reintegration of Arnulf and the anti-Jewish accusations surrounding Hugh’s death reflected the ongoing struggles between royal power, religious authority, and societal prejudices in medieval France.