The Carolingian dynasty (known variously as the Carlovingians, Carolings, or Karlings) was a Frankish noble family with origins in the Arnulfing and Pippinid clans of the 7th century AD. The family consolidated its power in the late 7th 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 throne.
By 751, the Merovingian dynasty which until then had ruled the Franks by right was deprived of this right with the consent of the Papacy and the aristocracy and a Carolingian, Pepin the Short, was crowned King of the Franks.
Pepin the Short
Carolingian House
751 – 768 Pepin the Short (son of Charles Martel, elected king of the Franks 751)
768 – 771 Carloman (son)
771 – 814 Charles the Great (Charlemagne) (brother, emperor 800)
814 – 840 Louis I, the Pious (son)
840 – 877 Charles I, the Bold (son)
877 – 879 Louis II, the Stammerer (son)
Carolingian art
879 – 882 Louis III (son)
879 – 884 Carloman (brother)
885 – 888 Charles II, the Fat (grandson of Louis I; emperor 881 – 887)
888 – 898 Robertian House
893 – 923 Charles III, the simple (son of Louis II; rival king, deposed, died 929)
922 – 936 Robertian House
936 – 954 Louis IV of Outremer (son of Charles III)
Louis IV of Outremer
954 – 986 Lothair (son)
986 – 987 Louis V, the Sluggard (son; co-regent 979)