The Age of Kings was an age in European history in which nations were ruled by kings.
In the early Middle Ages, the real power was held by a Mayor of the Palace, who reported to a figurehead king.
In the 600s, this practice changed when Charles Martel, the Mayor of the Palace, declared himself Duke of the Franks.
Charles Martel's son Pippin the Short inherited the rank of Duke upon Martel's death. However, Pippin soon took his rank to the next level, and declared himself King. From the reign of Pippin's son, Charlemagne, forward, the King now held the real power.
The 19th century saw a return to the figurehead king, with the real power being held by the Prime Minister.
