Clovis IV

Reign: 691 – 695
Life: 677–695

If the brief reign of Clovis III (675) is ignored as a usurpation, then Clovis IV may be numbered Clovis III. He ruled an undivided kingdom including Austrasia, Burgundy and Neustria. According to the Annals of Metz, a pro-Pippinid source, he was appointed by Pippin of Herstal, the mayor of the palace of Austrasia, and reigned four years. Clovis was a minor at his accession, and real power was in Pippin's hands. His minority, coming as it did on the heels of his father's efforts to strengthen royal power, was an important factor in the decline of the Merovingian dynasty. Clovis resided primarily in Compiègne (the traditional site of the Marchfield) and Montmacq.

During Clovis IV's reign, Justinian II ruled Rome, Pope Sergius I ruled Papacy, and Wu Zetian ruled China.

Further reading: The Merovingian Kingdoms, 450–751 by Ian Wood

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Clovis IV

The World During Their Reign

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Further Reading

The Merovingian Kingdoms, 450–751