The
Pippinids or
Arnulfings are the members of a family of Frankish nobles whose select scions served as
Mayor of the Palace, de facto rulers, of the Frankish kingdoms of
Neustria and
Austrasia that were nominally ruled by the
Merovingians.
The dynasty is usually considered to have been founded by Saint Arnulf, bishop of Metz in the early seventh century, who wielded a great deal of power and influence in the Merovingian kingdoms.
His son Ansegisel married Saint Begga, the daughter of Pepin of Landen, and their son was Pepin of Heristal. It is from Pepin's grandfathers that the dynasty receives its earlier (pre-Martel) names Arnulfing or Pippinid.
The mayoralty of the palace of the kingdom of Austrasia began in the family with Ansegisel and continued with Pepin of Heristal. Pepin conquered Neustria at the Battle of Tertry in 687 and spread Arnulfing authority over all the Franks.
