Anticipatory Association of the Heir in Early Capetian France
MODERN HISTORIANS HAVE TRADITIONALLY VIEWED ROYAL SUCCESSION in early Capetian France as a conflict between hereditary and elective principles. Although the operation of these principles can be traced elsewhere medieval Europe, especially Germany, they have had particular interest for France, where dispossession last Carolingians was followed by reign line kings who lacked dynastic legitimacy. The essential means which Capetians were seen to kept throne their family through association eldest surviving son royalty during father's lifetime. By this maneuver elder king could control proceedings so extend rule his line. In 987, first year reign, Hugh Capet thus thwarted designs those wished an monarchy having Robert consecrated crowned king. turn associated and, upon premature death son, second anointed crowned. Succeeding continued practice until I179, when Philip Augustus made with ailing Louis VII. has been reflection weak title dynasty Augustus, abandoned custom. viewed truly monarchs only from time able discontinue favor automatic or quasi-automatic succession death.' Comparison other European monarchies seemed con-
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