Merovingians and Carolingians, the two emblematic dynasties of the Middle Ages shaped history and sovereignty. Despite their many differences, they were both marked by illustrious kings such as Clovis and Charlemagne. Let's go back together on what marked the passage between the Merovingians and the Carolingians .
The advent of the Merovingians
A mythical ancestor of Clovis, Merovée founded the Merovingian dynasty upon accessing the throne. The term mythical is well suited to the second king of the Salian Franks, because it is said that he was born from the union of a queen and a deity . This legend is not the only one about him. Indeed, nothing proves its existence or even if it is at the origin of the Merovingians. One of the great chroniclers of the 16th century, Grégoire de Tours, writes “Who was the first king of the Franks? ”. He will answer the question by saying that he does not know the answer. In any case, the dynasty did exist . The origins of the Merovingian people still remain a mystery today, and it is difficult to explain the sudden appearance of such a monarchical system. The Merovingians took advantage of the decline of the Roman Empire to move towards Gaul , and therefore install this system on the kingdom of France.
On the other hand, an illustrious character left its mark on the Merovingians . This is Clovis, one of the most influential kings in history. Son of Childeric I, he is particularly known for his baptism in 469 or 505. As a true conqueror, the Frankish world doubled in size during his reign. After Clovis, the list of Merovingian kings is long and substantial. And yet, none will surpass the glory acquired by Clovis.
The decline of the Merovingian dynasty
During the Merovingian dynasty, the kingdom of the Franks became the main military and political power in Western Europe. Thanks to their military superiority and their knowledge of the art of war , the Merovingians quickly imposed themselves on a large majority of the territory of Gaul. And yet, this dynasty is unloved and in decline after only three centuries.
The aristocracy rebels, and the monarchs who reign over this powerful kingdom are seen as “lazy kings”. The decline originated with the heirs of King Dagobert. On his death in 639, the kingdom was divided and shared between each son:Sigebert II received Austrasia, and Clovis II received Neustria and Burgundy. The division of this kingdom opens the door to the Aristocrats , who then take power. The sovereigns helplessly witness the weakening of royal power in favor of men who have become true stewards of the Frankish kingdoms (mayors, bishops, etc.). Without power or fortune, these “lazy kings” tarnished the glory of previous monarchs . The reign of King Dagobert appears in everyone's memory as the golden age, which earned him the legend of "good king". In 751, it was the definitive fall of the Merovingians, to make way for the Carolingians.
The victory of the Carolingians
As the power of the Merovingian kings declines, a political reversal takes place. The role of mayor acquires a much greater decisive power, leading the royal army, presiding over the court of the palace and levying taxes according to his will . The role of the mayor is transformed into a true head of government, possessing all authority. There is one mayor who will assert himself more than the others:Pépin le Bref.
Ambitious by nature, this politician deposed the last Merovingian king, Childeric III, in 751 and had himself proclaimed king. The same year, he was crowned king in the town of Soissons in Aisne . This is how we go from the Merovingians to the Carolingians. But it is difficult for him to find his legitimacy with the aristocracy. In 754, he renewed the operation in Saint-Denis thanks to Pope Etienne II, who banned the choice of a king outside the family currently in place. Pepin the Short finally finds his legitimacy as king among the entire Carolingian people. Let's come back to this term. We know the origins of the name “Merovingian”, but what about the term Carolingian? The name Carolingian comes from the word “Carolus”, designating Charles Martel and his grandson, the famous Charlemagne, Carolingian kings.