Theuderic IV

Theuderic IV
King of the Franks
Reign721–737
PredecessorChilperic II
SuccessorChilderic III
Bornc. 712
Died737 (aged 24–25)
IssueChilderic III?
DynastyMerovingian
FatherDagobert III

Theuderic IV (c. 712 – 737, French, Thierry)[1] was the Merovingian king of the Franks from 721 until his death in 737.[2] He was the son of Dagobert III.[3]

During his reign, his realm was controlled by the mayor of the palace, Charles Martel. The king mostly stayed at Chelles Abbey, then in Château-Thierry.

After his death, the Frankish throne remained vacant for seven years, until Carloman, one of Charles Martel's sons and successors, arranged for Childeric III, the last Merovingian king, to succeed him. Theuderic IV may have been the father of Childeric III, but this remains uncertain. It has also been suggested that Thierry IV of Toulouse was his son.[3]

  1. ^ Alternative spellings of his name include Theuderich, Theoderic, or Theodoric.
  2. ^ Fouracre, Paul (2016). The Age of Charles Martel. London: Routledge. p. 157. ISBN 9781315845647.
  3. ^ a b Rosenwein 2009, p. 84.