Four Kings (S2: E12)

This week we’re going to run through four kings in short order. Up until this point we have been able to see most of the rois fainéants for what they were: well-meaning young kings who, by dint of having taken power at an exceptionally young age, were rarely out of their majority for long enough to make a large historical difference. A combination of bad health and bad luck led to most of them failing to live out their 20s; Chlothar II was the most recent ruler to see his 40s, dying in 629, and it would be over 80 years before another Frankish monarch could lay claim to having attained such an “ancient” age.

With that said, let me introduce you to the four kings we'll be discussing this week: Chlothar III, King of Neustria (oldest son of Clovis II and Bathilda), Childeric II, King of Austrasia (second oldest son of Clovis II and Bathilda), Clovis III, King of Austrasia (illegitimate son of Chlothar III), and Theuderic III, King of Neustria (youngest son of Clovis II and Bathilda). Altogether, these kings had a short tenure in power and were completely outmatched and overpowered by their Mayors of the Palace. When someone uses the term roi fainéant, whether they know it or not, these are the kings they're alluding to.

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