Hugh of France, also known as Hugh Capet, was a significant figure in medieval European history. He became the King of the Franks in 987 AD, marking the beginning of the Capetian dynasty. His reign established a more centralized monarchy in France, which helped to strengthen royal authority. Hugh was born around 939 AD and was the son of Hugh the Great, a powerful noble. His election as king was a pivotal moment, as it shifted power from the nobility to the monarchy. Hugh's descendants would rule France for over 800 years, shaping the nation's future.