A Note on Dates and Names

Throughout this book, we use modern dating conventions, with years given in the Common Era (CE) format. For clarity, we generally use the modern French versions of names and places, though we note significant variations when relevant. Thus, we refer to "Hugh Capet" rather than "Hugues Capet" and "Reims" rather than "Rheims," while acknowledging that contemporary usage varied.

Monetary values present particular challenges given the dramatic changes in currency and purchasing power over thirteen centuries. Where possible, we provide context for understanding the relative value of sums mentioned, though exact modern equivalents are often impossible to determine.