28. The Fall of Childeric III

Childeric III becomes king in 741, revived mostly to serve as a symbol. Pepin controls every

aspect of government, using Childeric’s presence to justify his own authority. The king approves

what Pepin already decided, reinforcing the illusion of Merovingian rule.

Pepin asks the Church who should rule: the man with the crown, or the man with

the power? Their answer seals Childeric’s fate—he’s deposed and sent to a monastery.

His removal ends the Merovingian dynasty. A new era begins as Pepin prepares

to reshape the kingdom and build a new royal legacy.