In this podcast episode, we explore the ascent of Charlemagne as we examine the fall of the Merovingian dynasty and the crucial contributions of Charles Martel and Pepin the Short. It discusses how Charles Martel gained control by challenging the authority of Frankish bishops, setting the stage for Pepin's rise to kingship. Pepin strengthened his claim to the throne through a strategic alliance with the papacy, ultimately leading to his anointment by Pope Stephen II. This pivotal moment not only shifted the power dynamics in Europe but also laid the groundwork for Charlemagne's future empire.
