ABSTRACT
This introductive chapter presents a synthesis of the political and social evolution of the Regnum Francorum, from its founding, through its expansion, the recreation of the empire by Charlemagne, its division, and the progressive structuration of the Francia Occidentalis around the Capetian dynasty. The succession of kingdoms, the main political issues, and the territorial developments of the kingdom are briefly discussed. Particular emphasis is placed on the formation of the royal ideology and the formation of the concept of “kingdom.” Finally, the social and economic developments experienced by the population of the kingdom are also explained.
