Pepin the Short

Pepin the Short, son of Charles Martel, was born in Landen, Austrasia, into the powerful Frankish family.

Pepin begins his early education, learning the skills necessary for a future Frankish ruler, including military and administrative training.

Pepin fights alongside his father, Charles Martel, in the decisive Battle of Tours, which halts the Muslim advance into Western Europe.

Pepin marries Bertrada of Laon, a noblewoman, strengthening his political alliances and securing his position within the Frankish nobility.

Charles Martel, Pepin's father, dies, leaving the administration of the Frankish territories to his sons, Pepin and Carloman.

Pepin and his brother Carloman become co-mayors of the palace, effectively ruling the Frankish kingdoms of Austrasia and Neustria.

Pepin is anointed and crowned King of the Franks by Pope Zachary, establishing the Carolingian dynasty and legitimizing his rule.

Pepin's brother Carloman retires to a monastery, leaving Pepin as the sole ruler of the Frankish territories.

Pepin deposes the last Merovingian king, Childeric III, and becomes the first Carolingian king, consolidating his power.

Pope Stephen II visits Pepin and anoints him and his sons, Charlemagne and Carloman, cementing the alliance between the Frankish kingdom and the Papacy.

Pepin launches a successful campaign against the Lombards, conquering key territories and securing the Papal States, fulfilling his promise to the Pope.

Pepin donates the conquered territories to the Papacy, forming the Papal States and solidifying the political and religious alliance.

Pepin subdues the rebellious region of Aquitaine, integrating it more firmly into the Frankish kingdom and expanding his influence.

Pepin reaffirms his support for the Papacy by intervening in Italy to protect the Pope from Lombard aggression, further strengthening their alliance.

Pepin falls ill, and his health begins to decline, leading to a gradual transfer of power to his sons, Charlemagne and Carloman.

Pepin the Short dies in Saint-Denis, France, leaving his kingdom to his sons, Charlemagne and Carloman, who will continue the Carolingian legacy.