A line of do-nothing-kings from the Merovingian dynasty rule the Franks, which forces the creation of mayors of the palace, an office of chief household officials. In time, these mayors seize more and more control, and Pepin III is finally crowned king, beginning the new Carolingian dynasty. Charles Martel (“the Hammer”) would follow, and Charles the Great, better known as Charlemagne, would achieve the greatest height among them.