Charles Martel’s failing health rattles Archbishop Boniface
Archbishop Boniface knew Charles Martel's failing health and the looming succession crisis had implications beyond Francia's borders. Continue reading
Kim Rendfeld
Outtakes of a Historical Novelist
Latest posts
A Church Called Saint Discord
The 8th-century churchman Virgil stepped right into a political conflict between two brothers-in-law: a de facto ruler of the Franks and the Duke of the Bavarians. Continue reading
Charles Martel’s Complicated Birth Family
Charles Martel (c. 686-741) had a complicated family life from the very beginning, one that spilled over into politics and war. Continue reading
Medieval Name Game: Reading Between the Lines
Names of Frankish aristocrats can imply the parents' expectations. Continue reading
Is It Better to Be a Medieval Abbess or Countess?
In the Dark Ages, noblewomen had two options: countess or abbess. Either way, a woman could influence the world around her. Continue reading
An Unlikely Romance: King Pippin and Queen Bertrada
In the 8th century, Pippin (later king) sought a divorce from his wife, Bertrada. After being denied, Pippin made Bertrada his full partner, Continue reading
Bishop Gewilib: A Bloody Vengeance for His Father
When his father was slain in battle, 8th-century Bishop Gewilib did not leave vengeance to God. Continue reading
Childeric III, the Last Merovingian King
Who was Childeric III, the last Merovingian king of the Franks? Continue reading
Ruling in the Name of a Dead King
When Frankish King Theuderic IV died in 737, his mayor of the palace, Charles Martel, made an unprecedented choice. Instead of setting up a new king, Charles ruled in the name of the dead one. Continue reading
Why Merovingians claimed a sea monster as ancestor
Like many ancient and early medieval rulers, Merovingians claimed supernatural ancestors. Theirs was a sea monster. Continue reading