Name: Francia
Alternate Name: France
Nature: historical
Description: France in the Middle Ages was a series of regions ruled by different lords. The major administrative divisions included the "domaine royal" of the Capetians, which was limited to the regions around Paris, Bourges, and Sens, Aquitaine, the Duchy of Normandy, Duchy of Burgundy, and the Duchy of Brittany. The accession of Hugh Capet in 987 led to the Capetian dynasty which, with its Valois and Bourbon offshoots, remained in power for 800 years. Throughout the Comedy, Dante derides French rulers, especially Philip III and Philip IV for various political machinations. He also mocks the frivolity of the French.