Childeric III

Childeric III (714-754/55) was the last Frankish king of the Merovingian dynasty. He was ascended to the throne of Austrasia and Neustria by the mayor of the palace Pepin the Short. In 751, Pepin saw an opportunity to seize the Frankish throne and dethroned him, sending him to the monastery of Saint Omer, where he remained until his last days.

Pipin, being the mayordomo of the palace and having been chosen by the Frankish people as king, having no royal power, sent ambassadors to Pope Zacarias to ask for his advice, since it was the only authority he could turn to. The Pope responded by using the Isidorian doctrine of power that said that "it is better to call the one who has power king" to ensure him on the throne.

In 751 Childeric was dethroned and tonsured, deposit et detonsit, at the orders of Zacharias's successor, Stephen II, because according to Eginhardo, quia non erat utilis, "it wasnt helpful." By relegating Childeric to a monastery he was removing himself completely from power. The tonsure was considered at that time as a way to get rid of vanity and "open" the head to receive the light of God. In the Merovingian dynasty it had a political meaning, because for them hair was a sign of power and royalty.

Le Dernier des MérovingiensEvariste-Vital Luminais painting.