Hugh Capet was a medieval king of France who reigned from 987 to 996. He was the founder of the Capetian dynasty, which ruled France for nearly 800 years. Capet is known for consolidating royal power and laying the foundation for the centralized monarchy that would characterize France for centuries to come. His reign marked the beginning of a new era in French history, and he is often considered one of the most important monarchs in the country's history.