(a) Drag-and-drop from the right to the left, or (b) click on a right
side answer box and then on a left side box to move it.
Questions
Choices
1. Charles the Simple
Charles III
2. Charles the Victorious
Charles VIII
3. Charles the Fair
Charles IX
4. Count of Artois
Charles X
5. Charles the Affable
Charles VII
6. Charlemagne
Charles I
7. Brother of Francis II and Henry III
Charles II
8. Charles the Mad
Charles VI
9. Charles the Wise
Charles IV
10. Charles the Bald
Charles V
Select each answer
Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts
1. Charles the Simple
Answer: Charles III
Charles III (879-929) was King of West Francia (the predecessor of modern France) from 898-922. His name of "simple" comes from the Latin "simplex" which means closer to loyal than dumb. During the reign of Charles, the Viking Rollo would bring a group of warriors to France.
The land that the king would give them would later be known as Normandy. Charles would gradually lose the support of the aristocracy, leading to his overthrow.
2. Charles the Victorious
Answer: Charles VII
Charles VII (1403-1461) was known as the Victorious because the Hundred Years War (1337-1453) with England was concluded satisfactorily by France during his reign (1422-1461). England would be forced to give up all territory it controlled in France with the exception of Calais, and its immediate vicinity. Charles was impeded in gaining the French throne when his father, the mentally unbalanced Charles VI, declared Henry VI of England as his successor.
The succession of Charles VII to the throne was due in no small part to Joan of Arc.
3. Charles the Fair
Answer: Charles IV
Charles IV (1294-1328) was known as the Fair due to his physical attractiveness. Charles was married three times and fathered a total of seven children. The death of his two sons before Charles would lead to the Valois dynasty taking the French throne and the outbreak of the Hundred Years War (1337-1453). During his reign (1322-1328), Charles would face a revolt in Flanders.
4. Count of Artois
Answer: Charles X
Charles X (1757-1836) was named Count of Artois at birth by his great-grandfather, Louis XV. The second monarch of the Bourbon Restoration, Charles was very unpopular during his reign (1824-1830) because of his ultra-conservative views. Unlike his brother, Louis XVIII, Charles attempted to undo as many of the changes of the French Revolution as possible. Charles was the last French monarch who attempted to cure patients with scrofula by the royal touch.
5. Charles the Affable
Answer: Charles VIII
Charles VIII (1470-1498) was known as the Affable for possessing a pleasant, if somewhat foolish, personality. A key event of the reign of Charles (1483-1498) was a French invasion of Italy in 1494. Though the invasion was initially successful, a league of other nations including Spain and the Holy Roman Empire forced France to give up its gain.
In a curious accident, Charles died due to injuries received when he accidentally struck his head on the lintel of a door.
6. Charlemagne
Answer: Charles I
Charles I (742/748-814), or Charlemagne, or Charles the Great, was King of the Frankish Empire from 768-814. During the first three years of his reign, his brother, Carloman I, was his co-ruler. Charles is sometimes referred to as the "Father of Europe".
He is one of the best known rulers of the Medieval Period. His descendants would rule West Francia (the predecessor of France) during much of the next two centuries.
7. Brother of Francis II and Henry III
Answer: Charles IX
Charles IX (1550-1574) ascended the throne as a child, with his reign (1560-1574) beginning when he was ten. He succeeded his elder brother, Francis II, and was followed by his younger brother, Henry III. Charles was married and fathered a daughter, but the Salic law did not allow for a Queen Regnant to rule France.
His reign took place during the period of the French Wars of Religion.
8. Charles the Mad
Answer: Charles VI
Charles VI (1368-1422) was sometimes known as the Beloved, but also as the Mad due to the periods of mental illness in his lifetime. For instance, at different times in his life he thought he was made of glass and would shatter if struck. During his reign (1380-1422), regents often exercised the real power. English victories over France in the later part of the Hundred Years War (1337-1453), led to him declaring first Henry V, and later Henry VI of England, his successor on the throne of France, as opposed to his son.
9. Charles the Wise
Answer: Charles V
Charles V (1338-1380) was known as the Wise during his reign (1364-1380) due to his intelligence (though he was also physically weak). Events during the Hundred Years War (1337-1453) caused him to raise taxes, which proved highly unpopular. Charles was forced to put down several rebellions during his reign. Charles was the first French king to have been known as a Dauphin during the reign of his predecessor.
10. Charles the Bald
Answer: Charles II
Charles II (823-877) ruled West Francia from 840-877. The Treaty of Verdun (843) would formalize the division of the Frankish Empire amongst the three sons of Louis I. The first part of his reign was relatively peaceful, but Charles would have to deal with rebellion from his nobles in the later part of his reign.
Some historians have suggested that his name "the Bald" was a sarcastic reference to Charles being extremely hairy.
This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor ponycargirl before going online.
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