Clovis IV

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Clovis IV (c. 677–694/695) was the king of the Franks from about 690 or 691 until his death. He was a Merovingian prince, the son of King Theuderic III and Queen Chrodochild. He became king as a boy, so the real power was in the hands of Pippin of Herstal, the mayor of the palace in Austrasia. This helped fuel the decline of the Merovingian kings.

Clovis IV ruled over the united Frankish kingdom, which included Austrasia, Burgundy, and Neustria. He lived mainly in Compiègne and Montmacq. Nine royal charters from his reign survive, including records of public hearings held in his presence (placita). In 693, at Valenciennes, his court was a real gathering of church leaders and nobles, showing that the royal court still mattered.

During his time, Pippin and his family rose in power, and Clovis IV’s reign is often linked to their rise. He helped start the careers of future leaders Ragamfred and Warno. In 692 he confirmed toll rights for the Abbey of Saint-Denis and gave the Abbey of Saint-Médard a house at Soissons. The chronicle Fredegar notes that he died after about four years, in 694 or 695, and was succeeded by his brother Childebert III. He did not leave a strong impression compared with his more famous brother.