What was the Merovingian Dynasty?

The Merovingian Dynasty (c. 481-751) was a ruling family of the Franks, whose members are sometimes considered the first kings of France. The Merovingian kingdom became the most powerful of the "barbarian" successor states to follow the fall of the Western Roman Empire.

Why did the Merovingian Dynasty collapse?

The collapse of the Merovingian Dynasty can be attributed to constant infighting and rivalry between its members, and also to the rise of the aristocracy and the mayors of the palace. The mayors were eventually able to reduce the power of the Merovingian kings before ultimately deposing them in 751.

What was the Merovingian Dynasty known for?

Members of the Merovingian Dynasty were known for their long hair, which symbolized their right to rule, as well as for their ruthlessness and infighting. The dynasty was known for the practice of hoisting new kings up on a shield and for the consistent use of certain names like Chilperic, Childebert, and Clovis, to foster a sense of heredity and political continuity.

Who are some Merovingian kings?

Some of the most notable kings of the Merovingian Dynasty include Clovis I (r. 481-511), who first united the Franks and converted to Christianity; Saint Guntram I (r. 561-592), who guided the dynasty through a precarious time; and Dagobert I (r. 623-639), who ruled at the height of Merovingian power.

Was Charlemagne a Merovingian?

Charlemagne was not a Merovingian, but rather a member of the Carolingian Dynasty. The Carolingians were the dynasty that supplanted the Merovingians as rulers of Francia.

Merovingian Dynasty Timeline

Definition

The Merovingian Dynasty was the ruling family of the Franks from roughly 481 when Clovis I ascended the throne of the Salian Franks until 751 when Childeric III was deposed and the Merovingians were supplanted by the Carolingian Dynasty as kings of Francia. The Merovingians established the largest and most powerful realm in western Europe, solidifying the Franks' dominance.

More about: Merovingian Dynasty

Timeline

450 CE - 751 CE
Merovingian Dynasty in Francia.
451 CE
Hun invasion of Gaul; Battle of the Cataluanian Plains (Battle of Chalons).
c. 458 CE - 481 CE
Reign of Childeric I establishes Frank presence; region known as Francia.
486 CE
Clovis I of the Franks defeats the Romans in Gaul. Founding of the Frankish kingdom.
503 CE
Clovis I converts to Christianity.
561 CE - 584 CE
Reign of King Chilperic I, ruler of the Frankish kingdom of Neustria.
561 CE - 592 CE
Reign of King Guntram I of Orléans.
584 CE - 629 CE
Life and reign of King Chlothar II.
623 CE - 639 CE
Reign of King Dagobert I, the last Merovingian king to hold any real power.

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