The Rise of the Carolingians and the Liber Historiae Francorum
Patrick J. Geary|Richard A. Gerberding
The eighth-century chronicle, the Historiae Francorum is one of only three major historical works which have survived from two and a half centuries Merovingian rule in early medieval France. Using it as guide through difficult contemporary sources, Dr Gerberding here presents more accurate view society Charlemagne's ancestors set themselves on road to power. His approach has uncovered much that new. It throws new light usurpation attempt Grimmoald I 650s. shows how Pippin II's conquest western Frankish kingdom was based not so military success politics family land-holding. By taking seriously what Liber says about position women society, Charles Martel, supposed outcast bastard, managed wrest control Pippin's powerful Plectrud legitimate side. But most importantly, emphasizes basic dynamic antagonism between centralized royal hand nobility other, but rather mutually dependent co-operation.
The American Historical Review