Alcuin's therapy
Barbara H. Rosenwein
Not long after Leudegar was martyred (c. 678), the Austrasians, led not by a king but rather powerful courtier and aristocrat, Pippin II, began to take over Neustria bit bit. Through wars, astute marriages, patronage of key monasteries, papal support, missionaries working on their behalf, dynasty that would soon be known as Carolingian gradually assumed power all Francia, ancestor today's France. Taking name from Charles Martel (d. 741) (Charles is Carolus in Latin), Carolingians legitimated rule with coronation anointment III (r. 751–68) Franks. His son Charlemagne (king 768–814; emperor 800–814) forged an empire included much Western Europe. Wealthy enough support artists, architects, intellectuals, poets, ensure allegiance most Frankish aristocracy, papacy, adherence other groups, presided superficially united polity. Key his success were laymen whom he enlisted counts – local governors judges. Overseeing chosen ecclesiastics, missi [sing.: missus] dominici (literally, “the men sent out lord king”).
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