Merovingian

Merovingian, dynasty of kings that ruled the Franks, a Germanic tribe, from AD481 to 751. The kings were descendants of the chief of the Salian Franks, Merovech or Merowig, who ruled from 448 to 458 and from whom the dynasty's name was derived.

The first Merovingian ruler was Clovis I, grandson of Merovech. Clovis became king of both the Salian and Ripuarian Franks. In addition, through an aggressive policy of conquest supported by the church, Clovis enlarged his kingdom until it included most of present-day France and part of Germany. After his death in 511 the kingdom was divided among his four sons into Austrasia, Neustria, Burgundy, and Aquitaine. The divisions were reunited by Clotaire I, divided after his death, and then reunited under Clotaire II.

The last strong Merovingian monarch was the son of Clotaire II, Dagobert I, who ruled from 629 to 639. Under his numerous successors the Frankish kingdom became decentralized. Royal power gradually gave way to the noble families who exercised feudal control over most of the land. The most important of these families was the Carolingian.

The Carolingians held the office of mayor of the palace and after 639 were kings in all but name. In 751 the Carolingian mayor of the palace deposed the reigning king, Childeric III (reigned about 743-751), and assumed royal power himself as Pepin the Short, putting an end to the Merovingian dynasty.

- see also 'Settlements' France, History, Merovingians and Carolingians -

"Merovingian," Microsoft® Encarta® Online Encyclopedia 2001 http://encarta.msn.com © 1997-2000 Microsoft Corporation. All Rights Reserved.