| Summary: | This thesis begins with a discussion of the source material relevant to the study of Ebroin's career, and the most prominent source, the 'Passio Leudegarii', is discussed in detail. An account of the secondary tradition is given, and it is found that the most recent study of Ebroin's career, by J.Fischer, is in many ways unsatisfactory. The notion that Ebroin was 'low-born' is set in its fullest context and the evidence for it is dismissed. Then the growing power of the 'majores domus' is described against the background of general developments in the 'regnum Francorum' from the year 613. Events from 657 to 664/5 are then discussed, and through a detailed account of the 'Aunemundus affair', the 'modus operandi' of the Merovingians is des~rlbed. This is followed by general observations on the dynasty's resources, and on the economic conditions obtaining in Francia. Ebroin's career to 673 and the rule of Childeric II from 673 to 675 are then discussed, and the revolt against Ebroin in 673 is studied in detail; in terms of politics both at the centre and on the periphery of the 'regnum'. Here the idea of long-established separatist pressure in Aquitaine and Burgundy is examined and found to be unsatisfactory. Next, Ebroin's return to power and his career from 675-680 are discussed, and alternative suggestions in chronological and narrative detail are put forward. There is then a brief survey of the main events to circa 719 in order to de~pen the perspective in which Ebroin's career can be viewed. This is said to result in a view of his career as an important illustration of later seventh century political conflict in Francia. It counters, however, the notion that it was a critical determinant factor in the 'regnum's' longer term political development.
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