Theuderic III

Reign: 673 – 673; 675 – 679; 679 – 691
Life: 657–691

651 to 691) was king of the Franks in the 7th century. The son of Clovis II and Balthild, Theuderic has been described as a puppet ruler, a roi fainéant. After the death of his older brother Chlothar III, he was appointed king in Neustria by Ebroin, mayor of the palace, in 673, though Childeric II of Austrasia displaced him soon thereafter. After Childeric II was killed in 675, Theuderic II retook the throne. He subsequently fought a war against Dagobert II, with his forces under Ebroin victorious at the Battle of Lucofao. He and the Neustrian mayor of the palace, Waratton, made peace with Pepin of Heristal, mayor of the palace of Austrasia, in 681.

During Theuderic III's reign, Emperor Tenmu ruled Japan, Constantine IV ruled Rome, and Emperor Ruizong of Tang ruled China.

Want to learn more? Further reading

The Merovingian Kingdoms, 450–751 by Ian Wood

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The Merovingian Kingdoms, 450–751

Ian Wood

Theuderic III and the fading power of the long-haired kings before Pepin.

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