768: Dividing the Kingdom and Rival Heirs

When Pepin the Short dies in 768, the Carolingian dynasty is no longer a fragile novelty: it is established. But succession remains dangerous, because unity depends on agreement among heirs.

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👑 Two kings, one dynasty

Following Frankish custom, power is shared between the sons:

• Charles (future Charlemagne)
• Carloman

The split does not mean the kingdom ceases to exist. It means authority is distributed between two political centres, with distinct clients and interests.

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⚖️ Why this is a turning point

Double rule can work if brothers cooperate. But it can also lead to open rivalry. In 768, the question becomes: will the Carolingian kingdom be a durable construction, or a divided dynasty?

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🧠 Key takeaways

• 768 opens a phase of co‑rule.
• The balance between Charles and Carloman conditions what follows.
• The generation trained under Pepin is ready for a change of scale.