Childeric III

MedievalEmperorFrankish Empire717 — 754

Last Merovingian king, deposed by Pepin the Short.

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Quick Facts

Born

717

Died

754

Country

Frankish Empire

Era

Medieval

Occupation

Emperor

Score Overview

Military (10%)16

Political (20%)39

Influence (20%)60

Legacy (20%)35

Leadership (15%)55

Strategy (15%)43

Total Score43.9

Childeric III — Complete Timeline

743 AD

Elevation to KingshipPolitical Action◆ Major

Childeric III was placed on the throne by the mayors of the palace, Pepin the Short and Carloman, after a seven-year interregnum. He was the last Merovingian king, serving as a figurehead while real power rested with the Carolingian mayors.

MerovingianSuccessionFigurehead

Impact: regional

751 AD

Deposition by Pepin the ShortPolitical Action

Childeric III was deposed by Pepin the Short, the mayor of the palace, with the approval of Pope Zachary. Childeric was tonsured and confined to a monastery, ending the Merovingian dynasty. Pepin was then crowned king of the Franks, beginning the Carolingian dynasty.

MerovingianDepositionCarolingian

Impact: regional

Tonsure and ImprisonmentPolitical Action◆ Major

After his deposition, Childeric III was tonsured (his hair cut short, symbolizing loss of royal status) and imprisoned in the monastery of Saint-Bertin or Saint-Omer. His son Theuderic was also imprisoned, ensuring the end of the Merovingian bloodline's claim to power.

MerovingianImprisonmentEnd of Dynasty

Impact: regionaltragic