751–754: From the Political Move to the Anointing

Pepin the Short’s act is not a military conquest: it is an institutional transformation. He already governs; he now wants to be king.

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👑 751: the official end of the Merovingians

In 751, Pepin becomes king and Childeric III is removed. This is the official end of the Merovingian dynasty. De facto power changes status: it becomes a power recognised as royal.

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✝️ 754: strengthened legitimacy

In 754, Pope Stephen II consecrates Pepin again at Saint‑Denis. This is not mere ceremony: it reinforces legitimacy, consolidates the dynasty, and embeds the new kingship in a durable political and religious alliance.

During this rite, Stephen II:

• consecrates Pepin’s sons, Charles and Carloman
• blesses Queen Bertrada
• grants Pepin the title patricius Romanorum (“patrician of the Romans”), underlining his role as protector of Rome

The anointing marks a shift: the papacy now relies primarily on the Franks for security, while Pepin presents himself as king “by anointing”, in a logic of sacred kingship.

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🧠 Key takeaways

• Pepin transforms Pippinid domination into recognised kingship.
• 751 is the dynastic rupture; 754 consolidates and secures the new legitimacy.