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What role did Gerbert of Aurillac play in Hugh Capetās election as king of France?
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Sylvester II
Sylvester II, detail from the ivory vessel used at the consecration of Otto III, 996; in the Domschatzkammer des Aachener Domes, Aachen, Ger.
Gerbert of Aurillac, who later became Pope Sylvester II, played a significant role in the political transition that brought Hugh Capet to the throne of France.
Following the deaths of the last Carolingian kings, Lothar in 986 and Louis V in 987, Gerbert and Adalbero, the archbishop of Reims, actively influenced the French nobles to elect Duke Hugh Capet as king. This move was intended to counter the claims of the remaining Carolingian contender, Charles of Lorraine.
Beyond his role in the election, Gerbert served as an adviser and secretary to Hugh Capet, supporting him during the subsequent resistance against Charlesās attempts to dethrone him.1