Frankish Nobility. He was born around 635 as the son of Ansegisel, a son of Saint Arnulf of Metz and Begga, a daughter the of Austrasian majordomo (mayor of the palace) Pepin of Landen. With the fall and execution of his uncle, the Frankish majordomo Grimoald, the family had seemingly come to an end. After spending several years fighting, he finally gained the rule over the whole realm after the Battle of Terty in 687. From then on he de facto ruled Francia as the majordomo of Austrasia, Neustria (from 688) and Burgundy. He secured his power by leaving his opponent Berchar in office as majordomo of Neustria. In addition he left the Merovingian kings on the throne. Around 696 he named his son Grimoald majordomo of Neustria and his eldest son Drogo Dux of Burgundy, but retained the real power in the kingdom. Even before his death a conflict over his succession broke out. His wife Plectrudis supported her grandsons interests against Pepins sons by his mistress Chalpaida. He died after a long illness on December 16th, 714. Plectrude was defeated by his son Charles Martel a few years later. During his reign he was able to establish his family, the Arnulfings, as the strongest in Francia and initiated the rise of the Carolingians.
Frankish Nobility. He was born around 635 as the son of Ansegisel, a son of Saint Arnulf of Metz and Begga, a daughter the of Austrasian majordomo (mayor of the palace) Pepin of Landen. With the fall and execution of his uncle, the Frankish majordomo Grimoald, the family had seemingly come to an end. After spending several years fighting, he finally gained the rule over the whole realm after the Battle of Terty in 687. From then on he de facto ruled Francia as the majordomo of Austrasia, Neustria (from 688) and Burgundy. He secured his power by leaving his opponent Berchar in office as majordomo of Neustria. In addition he left the Merovingian kings on the throne. Around 696 he named his son Grimoald majordomo of Neustria and his eldest son Drogo Dux of Burgundy, but retained the real power in the kingdom. Even before his death a conflict over his succession broke out. His wife Plectrudis supported her grandsons interests against Pepins sons by his mistress Chalpaida. He died after a long illness on December 16th, 714. Plectrude was defeated by his son Charles Martel a few years later. During his reign he was able to establish his family, the Arnulfings, as the strongest in Francia and initiated the rise of the Carolingians.
Bio by: Lutetia
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