17 September 879 - 7 October 929
House: Carolingian
Titles: King of West Francia, King of Lotharingia
Charles the Simple was born on 17 September 879 as the posthumous son of King Louis the Stammerer and Adelaide of Paris. Initially prevented from ascending the throne due to the political climate, he was placed under the protection of Ranulf II, Duke of Aquitaine. In 893, at the age of 14, Charles was crowned by a faction opposed to King Odo, but he only became the undisputed king of West Francia after Odo's death in 898.
In 911, Charles faced a Viking siege led by Rollo and negotiated the Treaty of Saint-Clair-sur-Epte, establishing the Duchy of Normandy. That same year, he became king of Lotharingia following the death of Louis the Child. His reign in Lotharingia ended in 925 when it was seized by East Francia.
Charles the Simple died in prison on 7 October 929 and was buried at the abbey of Saint-Fursy. His son, Louis IV, eventually succeeded him as king in 936.
Death: Died at age 50 in prison; buried at the abbey of Saint-Fursy.
Reign: 24 years and 182 days
Children: Seven children, including Louis IV of France.
Marriages: Frederuna, Eadgifu of Wessex
Parents: Louis the Stammerer, Adelaide of Paris