The creation of Carolingian kingship to 800
Marios Costambeys|Matthew Innes|Simon MacLean
We began Chapter 1 with the elevation of Carolingian Pippin, generally known as Pippin III, or ‘the Short’, to kingship Franks. Almost everything about this event is uncertain. The best evidence for Pippin's accession comes from his charters – single-sheet documents through which legal business like property transactions were habitually enacted. A charter 20 June 751 was issued in name illustrious man mayor palace’. By time another court case on March 752, styled ‘king Franks’ (rex francorum). At some point between these dates, therefore, had replaced Childeric last king Merovingian family that ruled Franks over 250 years. That and brother Carloman, jointly mayors palace (the most senior non-royal office Frankish kingdom) themselves established just four years earlier gives indication strong position could launch bid throne. But precise mechanics takeover are entirely unknown. Although our texts often difficult date precisely, strongest likelihood that, apart, all sources events written after 768, when died sons succeeded kingship. In other words, probably formed part a deliberate retrospective attempt establish ease propriety succession order make (who were, all, not Merovingians but children usurper) seem routine.
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