ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Family tree of French monarchs (simplified)

A long time ago, a group of people called kings and queens ruled a country called France. They were in charge and made important decisions for everyone who lived there.

One king, named Clovis, was the first king of France. He had lots of sons and daughters who became kings and queens after him. This means they were his children or grandchildren and also became rulers of the country.

As time passed, the French monarchy had many different families who became kings and queens. Some of the most famous were the Capetian dynasty, the Bourbon dynasty, and the Orleans dynasty.

The Capetian dynasty was the first and longest-lasting family to rule France. They had many different kings who ruled for hundreds of years. One of the most famous Capetian kings was Louis XIV, who built the famous palace of Versailles.

The Bourbon dynasty came next and they also had many kings and queens. One of the most famous Bourbon kings was Louis XVI. He and his wife, Marie Antoinette, lost their power during a French Revolution where people wanted more say in how their country was run.

Finally, the Orleans dynasty ruled after the Bourbon dynasty. They also had kings and queens who ruled for a shorter period of time.

So, the family tree of French monarchs is like a big tree with many branches. Each branch represents a different family who became kings and queens of France. Clovis was the first king and many others followed after him, such as the Capetians, Bourbons, and Orleanians.