 Carolingian dynasty

The Carolingian dynasty (known variously as the Carlovingians, Carolingus, Carolings, Karolinger or Karlings) was a Frankish noble family founded by Charles Martel with origins in the Arnulfing and Pippinid clans of the 7th century AD.The dynasty consolidated its power in the 8th century, eventually making the offices of mayor of the palace and "dux et princeps Francorum" hereditary, and becoming the "de facto" rulers of the Franks as the real powers behind the Merovingian throne.