26. The Empty Crown of Theuderic IV

Theuderic IV becomes king in 721, but he enters a world where the crown is only a

symbol. Real power belongs to Charles Martel, the mayor of the palace who commands

armies and politics. Theuderic’s personality fades into obscurity; almost nothing about his rule comes from

his own decisions. Charles launches campaigns, fortifies borders, and restructures

the kingdom—all in Theuderic’s name. Theuderic represents a dynasty in decline, a king overshadowed

by the man who truly governs. When he dies in 737, the throne remains

vacant—Charles doesn’t even bother appointing a successor. Theuderic IV becomes one of the last

echoes of Merovingian authority, a monarch in name only.