ROBERT THE STRONG

died Sept. 15, 866, Brissarthe, Fr. French Robert Le Fort ancestor of the Capetian kings of France. Count of various regions between the Seine and Loire rivers, Robert served the Carolingian king of France Charles II the Bald and, by his bold and inspiring military leadership, succeeded in checking the depredations of the Northmen who were laying waste the settlements near the Loire. A great victory over the Northmen in 865 was followed by the King's grant to Robert of full control over Neustria early the next year; but he was killed in a skirmish against the Northmen in September. The memory of Robert's exploits brought great prestige to his family. His sons, Eudes and Robert I, both became kings of West Francia (or France); and the Capetian kings (from 987) were his direct descendants.