Pepin the Short (feb 2, 751 – sep 24, 768)

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first Carolingian. The Carolingian dynasty was a Frankish noble family with origins in the Arnulfing and Pippinid clans of the 7th century AD. The family consolidated its power in the 8th century, eventually making the offices of Mayor of the Palace and dux et princeps Francorum hereditary and becoming the real powers behind the Merovingian kings. In 751 Pepin the Younger, son of Charles Martel, dethroned the Merovingians and with the consent of the papacy and the aristocracy, was crowned King of the Franks. As King, Pepin embarked on an ambitious program to expand his power. He reformed the legislation of the Franks and continued the ecclesiastical reforms of Boniface to reform the Frankish church, and evangelise the Saxons. He was, however, troubled by the relentless revolts of the Saxons and the Bavarians. He campaigned tirelessly in Germany, but the final subjugation of these tribes was left to his successors. Pepin died in 768 and was succeeded by his sons Charlemagne and Carloman. Although unquestionably one of the most powerful and successful rulers of his time, Pepin's reign is largely overshadowed by that of his more famous son.

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