Roi fainéant

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Roi fainéant is a French language phrase meaning "do nothing king". It is primarily used to refer to the later kings of the Merovingian and Carolingian dynasties, after they seemed to have lost their initial energy. They were considered "useless" by their contemporaries, though modern historical opinion is more nuanced.

Sigebert III is sometimes accredited the first roi fainéant of the Merovingian dynasty. The last Carolingians' effective rule was limited to the region around Laon and they were sometimes derisively referred to as "Kings of Laon".

[edit] Examples

• Clovis III
• Clovis IV
• Clotaire III
• Clotaire IV
• Theuderic III
• Theuderic IV