kids encyclopedia robot

Pepin of Landen facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
"Pepin I" redirects here. For the king of Aquitaine, see Pepin I of Aquitaine. For the count of Vermandois, see Pepin, Count of Vermandois.
Quick facts for kids
Pepin Ι of Landen
Mayor of the palace of Austrasia
Liège, Palais Provincial02, statues de Pepin de Landen et Saint Remacle.JPG
Born 580
Died 640
Noble family Pippinids (named after him)
Spouse(s) Itta of Metz
Issue Begga
Grimoald
Bavo
Gertrude
Father Carloman

Pepin I (born around 580 – died February 27, 640), also known as Pepin of Landen, the Elder, or the Old, was a very important leader in the Frankish kingdom. He held the powerful position of "Mayor of the Palace" for the region of Austrasia. This role was similar to being the chief minister or prime minister for the king.

Pepin served under two Merovingian kings. He was Mayor for King Dagobert I from 623 to 629. Later, he served King Sigebert III from 639 until his death. His family became known as the Pippinids, named after him because he was such an important figure.

Pepin's Early Life and Rise to Power

Pepin's father was named Carloman. Pepin likely got his nickname "of Landen" from his birthplace, which is now in modern Belgium. However, some historians say this connection was made much later.

Pepin was a powerful lord in the region of Brabant. In 613, several important leaders in Austrasia and Burgundy decided to stop supporting Queen Brunhilda. She was ruling for her young great-grandson, King Sigebert II. Instead, these leaders turned to Chlothar II, the king of Neustria, for help.

Pepin was one of the main leaders who made a deal with King Chlothar II. He and his friend Arnulf were described as the "two most powerful barons" in Austrasia. As a reward for his support, Pepin was appointed Mayor of the Palace in Austrasia in 623. This happened after King Chlothar made his young son, Dagobert, the king of Austrasia. Arnulf became an adviser to the new king alongside Pepin.

Serving King Dagobert I

People at the time praised Pepin for his excellent leadership and wise advice. He was known for his good government. Even though some enemies tried to turn King Dagobert against him, their plans failed. Pepin remained on good terms with the king for many years.

In 629, for reasons that are not fully clear, Pepin left his position. He went to live on his own estates. He stayed there for about ten years until King Dagobert died.

Return to Power and Final Years

When King Dagobert died, Pepin came out of retirement. He returned to his role as Mayor of the Palace in Austrasia. His main task was to help the new heir, Sigebert III. He also had to oversee how the royal treasury was divided between Sigebert and his brother, Clovis II. Clovis's stepmother, Nanthild, was ruling on his behalf in Neustria and Burgundy.

Pepin helped make sure that Sigebert received his fair share of the inheritance. This was partly due to the good relationship between Pepin and Aega, the Mayor of the Palace in Burgundy. Pepin and Cunibert, Bishop of Cologne, who was Arnulf's successor as chief adviser, brought the treasure back to Metz.

Pepin died in 640. He was so well-liked in Austrasia that, even though he was never officially made a saint by the church, he was listed as one in some old religious calendars. His feast day was February 21.

Family Life

Pepin I married a woman named Itta of Metz. Together, they had four children:

kids search engine
All content from Kiddle encyclopedia articles (including the article images and facts) can be freely used under Attribution-ShareAlike license, unless stated otherwise. Cite this article:
Pepin of Landen Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.