The Pippinids: The Birth of the Carolingian Dynasty

Behind Dagobert I’s prestige, two Austrasian aristocratic families shared much of the real power: the Pippinids and the Arnulfings. Their alliance would mark the birth of the Carolingian dynasty.

Pepin of Landen and Arnulf of Metz

• Pepin of Landen (c. 580–640) was the mayor of the palace of Austrasia. In 613, he betrayed Brunhilda and delivered the old queen to Chlothar II, ending the royal feud.
• Arnulf of Metz (c. 582–640) was bishop of Metz and a powerful lord. He was the grandfather of Pepin the Short, future king of the Franks.

The decisive alliance

The marriage of Ansegisel (son of Pepin of Landen) and Begga (daughter of Arnulf of Metz) united the two families. Their son, Pepin of Herstal, inherited the estates and the power of both clans.

The Meuse valley estates

The Pippinids held vast domains in the Meuse valley: Herstal, Jupille, Landen… These rich lands enabled them to raise armies and finance their political rise.

The rise to power

After Dagobert, mayors of the palace became the real masters of the kingdom. Merovingian kings became increasingly symbolic, while the Pippinids accumulated real power, preparing the transition to the Carolingian dynasty.