The Death of Clothar IV and the Strengthening of Charles Martel’s Rule

In 719, Clothar IV, the Merovingian king installed by Charles Martel as a puppet ruler over Austrasia, dies in Soissons. His reign had been little more than a formality, serving as a tool for Charles to legitimize his rule while consolidating power over the Frankish realm.

With Clothar IV’s death, Charles is now free to determine the fate of the Merovingian monarchy. Rather than appointing another king of his choosing, he pragmatically reconciles with the former Neustrian king, Chilperic II, whom he had previously opposed in battle. This move helps unify the Frankish realm under a single nominal monarch, while Charles continues to wield absolute authority as Dux Francorum, the true ruler of Francia.