Carolingian dynasty facts for kids
The Carolingian dynasty was a powerful family of Frankish nobles who ruled a big part of western Europe for over 200 years, from 751 to 987. They were a line of important leaders, including mayors, kings, and emperors. This family took over from the earlier Merovingian dynasty. The most famous person from this family was Charlemagne, also known as Charles the Great. The dynasty got its name from Charlemagne's grandfather, Charles Martel, a very strong leader.
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Who Were the Carolingians?
The Carolingians started as powerful officials called "Mayors of the Palace." These mayors were like prime ministers who held the real power behind the throne, even though the kings were still officially in charge.
Charles Martel: The Hammer
The dynasty's story really begins with Charles Martel, whose name means "Charles the Hammer." He was a very strong and clever Mayor of the Palace for the Frankish kingdoms of Austrasia and Neustria. Charles Martel became famous for his military victories, especially for stopping an invasion in 732.
When Charles Martel died, he left his power and wealth to his two sons, Pepin III and Carloman. Carloman later decided to become a monk in 771, which meant Pepin became the sole Mayor of the Palace.
Pepin the Short Becomes King
Pepin III, also known as Pepin the Short, made a big change. The last Merovingian king, Childeric III, was not very powerful. With the support of the Pope in Rome, Pepin removed Childeric III from the throne. This act, called being "deposed," meant the king was officially removed from his position.
In 751, Pepin was crowned King of the Franks. Pope Stephen III even traveled to France to place the crown on his head, showing the strong connection between the Carolingian rulers and the Church. Pepin then passed the kingdom down to his two sons, Charles and Carloman.
Charlemagne: Charles the Great
Charles and his brother Carloman shared the kingdom for a while. But Carloman soon traveled to Rome and became a monk, leaving Charles as the only king. This Charles would become known as "Charles the Great," or Charlemagne.
Charlemagne's Empire
Charlemagne earned his famous name by winning many battles. He defeated the Lombards in Italy, the Saxons in what is now Germany, and the Avars in Central Europe. His victories greatly expanded the Frankish kingdom.
On Christmas Day in the year 800, a very important event happened. While Charlemagne was in Rome, Pope Leo III crowned him Holy Roman Emperor. This was a huge moment because it showed that Charlemagne was seen as a powerful ruler chosen by God, similar to the ancient Roman emperors. This event also linked the Carolingian Empire closely with the Christian Church.
Decline of the Carolingian Empire
The Carolingian dynasty continued through Charlemagne's son, Louis the Pious, and then to his grandsons. However, by the time Louis inherited the kingdom, the large Carolingian Empire had already started to weaken.
By the end of the 9th century, the empire began to break apart into smaller kingdoms. With the collapse of the empire, the Carolingian dynasty's direct rule over a large unified territory also came to an end in 987.
Images for kids
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Carolingian denier of Lothair I, struck in Dorestad (Middle Francia) after 850
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Carolingian family tree, from the Chronicon Universale of Ekkehard of Aura, 12th century
See also
In Spanish: Dinastía carolingia para niños
