Dagobert III

Dagobert III, born in the year six hundred ninety-eight, was a notable Merovingian king of the Franks, reigning from seven hundred eleven to seven hundred fifteen. He was the son of Childebert III and ascended to the throne as the head of the three Frankish kingdoms: Neustria, Austrasia, and the Kingdom of Burgundy, which had been unified following Pippin's victory at Tertry in six hundred eighty-seven.

Despite his royal title, the real power during Dagobert's reign was held by the Mayor of the Palace, Pippin of Herstal. Pippin's death in seven hundred fourteen led to significant conflict among his heirs and the Neustrian nobles, who were responsible for electing the mayors of the palace. This power struggle overshadowed Dagobert's rule and limited his influence over the kingdom.

During Dagobert's brief reign, while the focus was on combating the Frisians in the north, various regions in southern Gaul began to assert their independence. Notable figures such as Savaric, the fighting bishop of Auxerre, took control of Orléans, Nevers, Avallon, and Tonnerre, while Eudo in Toulouse and Antenor in Provence emerged as independent magnates.

The historical record regarding Dagobert III is sparse. The Liber Historiae Francorum notes that he died of illness, yet it provides little insight into his character or actions. Additionally, the Vita Dagoberti, a later and less reliable biography, tends to conflate him with Dagobert I and Dagobert II, further complicating the understanding of his legacy.