The term "mayors of the palace" refers to high-ranking officials in the Frankish kingdoms during the early Middle Ages. They acted as the chief administrators and advisors to the king, managing the royal household and overseeing the kingdom's affairs. This role became increasingly powerful, especially as the authority of the kings weakened. By the 8th century, the mayors of the palace, particularly the Carolingians, began to dominate the political landscape. Notably, Charles Martel and his descendants, including Charlemagne, transitioned from serving the king to effectively ruling the kingdom themselves, leading to the establishment of the Carolingian Empire.