THE SCENE: The Merovingian dynasty ruled the Franks for almost 300 years. By the end of their reign, though, they found themselves mere figureheads reduced to deeply humble circumstances.
THE TEXT: The family of the Merovingians, from which the Franks used to make their kings, is thought to have lasted until King Childeric, who was deposed and tonsured and forced into a monastery on the order of Pope Stephen. Although it might seem to have ended with him, it had in fact been without any strength for a long time and offered nothing of any worth except the empty name of king. For the wealth and power of the kingdom were in the possession of the governors of the palace, who were called mayors of the palace and the highest command in the kingdom belonged to them.
The king’s sole remaining function was to sit back on his throne with flowing hair, his beard uncut, satisfied with the name of king and the appearance of ruling. He listened to ambassadors, wherever they came from, and when they departed he gave them replies which he had been taught or ordered to say. Except for the empty name of king and a small stipend which the prefect of the court granted as it seemed best, he owned nothing else of his own but one estate, and that with a small income. There he had a house and servants ministering to his needs and showing obedience, but they were few in number. When he needed to travel he went in a cart pulled by yoked oxen and was led by a cowherd in the country manner. Thus he went to the palace and also to the public assembly of his people, which was held every year for the welfare of the kingdom, and thus he used to return home. But the administration of the kingdom and everything which was to be planned or executed at home or abroad was arrange by the prefect of the court.
– The Life of Charlemagne, Einhard, 9th Century AD
