Roi fainéant facts for kids
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The term Roi fainéant (pronounced "rwa fay-nay-ahn") is French for "do-nothing king" or "lazy king." It describes the later kings of the Merovingian dynasty. These kings seemed to lose their real power over time.
This name is usually given to Frankish rulers from about 639 AD. This was after the death of Dagobert I. Or, some say it started from 673 AD, when Theuderic III became king. It continued until 751 AD, when Childeric III was removed from power. He was replaced by Pepin the Short.
Contents
What Were the "Do-Nothing Kings"?
The idea of "do-nothing kings" comes from Einhard. He was a famous writer who wrote about Charlemagne. Einhard said these later Merovingian kings were kings "in nothing but in name." This means they had the title but no real power.
How Einhard Described Them
Einhard wrote that the king had little to do. He just had to be happy with his kingly name. He would sit on his throne with his long hair and beard. He looked like a ruler. He would listen to visitors from other places. Then he would send them away. The words he spoke were actually told to him by others.
The king owned almost nothing himself. He had only his empty title. He also got a small amount of money. This money was given to him by the Mayor of the Palace. He had only one small country home. It did not bring him much money.
The Power Behind the Throne: Mayors of the Palace
For about 100 years, the Merovingian kings were controlled by their mayors of the palace. In the 6th century, the Mayor of the Palace was like a manager of the king's household. But by the 7th century, this job became much more powerful.
The Mayor of the Palace became the real "power behind the throne." They made all the important decisions. The king's job became mostly about ceremonies. He would appear in public but had no true control.
Another "Do-Nothing" King?
Later, another French ruler was also called "the Do-Nothing." This was Louis V of France. He was the last ruler from the Carolingian family. His actual rule was only over a small area around Laon.
See also
In Spanish: Reyes holgazanes para niños
