Pepin of Herstal, which is modern-day Belgium, was a Frankish leader and military strategist who effectively ruled Francia as the Mayor of the Palace from 680 until his death. He became known as the Duke and Prince of the Franks after he conquered all the Frankish territories.
Pepin was the son of Ansegisel, a powerful Frankish leader, and became the Mayor of the Palace in Austrasia in 680. He conquered Neustria and Burgundy in 687, uniting all the Frankish territories. He the subjugated the Alemanni, Frisians, and Franconians, and started the process of evangelizing in Germany.
Pepin's statesmanship was notable for the further diminution of Merovingian royal authority, paving the way for his family to rule. He was able to name his grandson Theudoald as his heir, but this was not accepted by his son Charles Martel, which led to a civil war after Pepin's death. Charles emerged victorious, becoming the de facto ruler of Francia.
Pepin was the grandson and namesake of Pepin the Elder through his mother Begga's marriage to Ansegisel. This marriage united the two houses of the Pippinids and the Arnulfings, creating what is known as the Carolingian dynasty.
Pepin had a wife named Plectrude and a mistress or second wife named Alpaida, who bore him two sons, Charles Martel and Childebrand. Before his death, Plectrude convinced Pepin to disinherit his sons with Alpaida and name his grandson Theudoald as his heir.
After Pepin's death, Plectrude and her grandchildren tried to maintain the position of mayor of the palace, but Charles emerged as the s de facto ruler of Francia after a civil war that lasted more than three years.