Published on 2025-10-18

A king without Frankish ancestry in 919

Henry the Fowler is the first ruler of East Francia elected without being from the Frankish line. This historic election took place in 919 in Fritzlar, as local nobles were taking precedence over traditional dynasties. From then on, the choice of the leader no longer fell to a single family, but to the great men and dukes of the kingdom.