Clovis IV

Clovis IV (c. 682 – 695) was the king of the Franks from 691 to 695. He was a member of the Merovingian dynasty, and the son of Theuderic III and Clotilda.

While officially king, Clovis IV was a roi fainéant or "do-nothing king." Real power resided with the mayor of the palace, Pepin of Herstal. He ascended to the throne at a young age, around nine years old, and reigned for approximately four years. His reign was uneventful, as Pepin effectively controlled the Frankish kingdoms of Neustria and Austrasia. Historians generally view Clovis IV as a figurehead, lacking any meaningful authority. He died young, and was succeeded by Childebert III. His brief reign underscores the decline of the Merovingian dynasty and the rise of the Carolingian dynasty, whose power was consolidated through the office of the mayor of the palace.