Battle of Vincy

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The battle of Vinc (h) y in 717 was the decisive conflict between Karl Martell and his Austrasian followers on the one hand and the Merovingian king Chilperich II and his caretaker Raganfrid on the other. Karl Martell won the battle and rose to become the most powerful man in the Frankish Empire .

The civil war for power in the Franconian Empire had been going on since 715. Most recently, Karl Martell was victorious in the Battle of Amel (today: Belgium ) in 716. Raganfrid and the Merovingian shadow king Chilperich, who was dependent on him, then withdrew to Neustria . Karl did not pursue them immediately, but first used the opportunity to rally his troops. He then provoked his opponents in order to be able to confront them in a place and at a time of his choosing. In the weeks before Easter (according to Marco Kamradt) there was a battle at Vincy near Cambrai . Charles's troops remained victorious and pursued the defeated enemy as far as Paris . The victory was highlighted in the Carolingian-friendly sources, as this battle strengthened the position of power of the later so-called Carolingians.

Karl then proclaimed Chlothar IV (possibly the son of Childebert III ) as king, in order to have a Merovingian opponent of Chilperich who was devoted to him. In addition, Karl Rigobert , the bishop of Reims and supporter of the Neustrians, deposed and banished him to Gascony. Karl Milo took his place . Chilperich II and Raganfrid now still had their titles, but were militarily defeated and de facto robbed of their power.

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