Childeric III vs Macbeth of Scotland

Childeric III was placed on the throne by the mayors of the palace, Pepin the Short and Carloman, after a seven-year interregnum. He was the last Merovingian king, serving as a figurehead while real power rested with the Carolingian mayors.

Childeric III was deposed by Pepin the Short, the mayor of the palace, with the approval of Pope Zachary. Childeric was tonsured and confined to a monastery, ending the Merovingian dynasty. Pepin was then crowned king of the Franks, beginning the Carolingian dynasty.

After his deposition, Childeric III was tonsured (his hair cut short, symbolizing loss of royal status) and imprisoned in the monastery of Saint-Bertin or Saint-Omer. His son Theuderic was also imprisoned, ensuring the end of the Merovingian bloodline's claim to power.

Macbeth defeated and killed King Duncan I in battle at Pitgaveny near Elgin. Macbeth then claimed the Scottish throne, becoming King of Scots. This event is the basis for Shakespeare's play, though the historical circumstances differ from the fictional account.

Macbeth made a pilgrimage to Rome, where he was received by Pope Leo IX and distributed alms to the poor. This was a significant act of piety and diplomacy, demonstrating Macbeth's legitimacy as a Christian king and his connections to the wider European church.

Macbeth was defeated at the Battle of Dunsinane by an army led by Siward, Earl of Northumbria, acting on behalf of Malcolm Canmore. The defeat weakened Macbeth's position but did not immediately end his reign, as he continued to rule for three more years.

Macbeth was killed at the Battle of Lumphanan in Aberdeenshire, fighting against Malcolm Canmore's forces. His death ended his 17-year reign and allowed Malcolm to claim the throne. Macbeth's stepson Lulach succeeded briefly before being killed by Malcolm.