What was the Merovingian dynasty?

The Merovingians, in contemporary fiction, have been portrayed as coming from a sacred bloodline. But who were they, really? This ancient family started out as Salian Frank rulers, who had to provide the Romans with military service. Helping to defend the empire from Barbarian invasions, they also were allowed to collect power from within the existing Roman power structure. From roughly 481 CE to 751 CE, the Merovingians rose to dynastic levels of power, despite in-fighting and feuding, before becoming known as the "do nothing kings."

Intrigued? Click on to learn about this fascinating family.

What was the Merovingian dynasty?

The Early Middle Ages

During the Roman Empire and the Early Middle Ages, a Western European people known as the Franks extended their power and influence from the Lower Rhine region to in and around present-day France.

Myth and legend

However, this could have been a way to explain the surname, which means "sea-bull." There is no evidence that the Merovingians ever made the claim to be descended from God, as some other monarchies in Europe did.

The "long haired kings"

Traditionally, Frankish tribal leaders wore their hair long, while warriors wore theirs short. The Merovingians continued the long hair tradition, earning them the title of the "long hair kings" among their contemporaries.

Battle of Tolbiac

Clovis was just 15 years old when he succeeded his father. He led troops to victory at the Battle of Tolbiac against the Alemanni in 496 CE, and later defeated the Visigoths of Toulouse in 507 CE.

Conversion to Christianity

Clovis realized he would find it difficult to rule Gaul without the clergy's help. He married a Nicene Christian wife, later being baptized himself. This set him apart from the Visigoth and Vandal kings of the time.

Codification of Salic law (Lex Salica)

Under the reign of Clovis, Salic Frank law was codified for the first time. It incorporated aspects of Christianity, as well as Salic legal and Roman tradition.

Clovis' death

On the death of Clovis, his kingdom was partitioned between his four sons, Theuderic, Chlodomer, Childebert, and Clotaire.

Clotaire I (c. 497 CE - 561 CE)

Clotaire I, one of Clovis' sons, managed to reunite Francia by outliving his brothers, and seizing their territory after they died. He even had his nephews murdered as children, to prevent their claim to their fathers' lands. However, upon his death, Clotaire I left the Merovingian kingdom to his four sons, again leading to division.

Internal struggles

Between 561 CE and 567 CE, the internal struggles in the family led to new political configurations, as land was partitioned. For example, Austrasia was created from the Rhine, Moselle, and Meuse districts, which had formerly been the Kingdom of Reims.

Childebert II (570 CE - 595/6 CE)

Childebert II ruled over Austrasia (which included Provence, which was under Merovingian rule at the time). His father was assassinated when he was only five years old, and he was adopted by both Chilperic I of Paris and Burgundian king Guntrum. Childebert and his wife were poisoned in 596 CE.

Clotaire II (584 CE -629 CE)

One of the few Merovingians who practiced monogamy, Clotaire II unified the Franks once more and renewed a treaty of friendship between the Frankish kings and the kings of the Lombards (present-day northern Italy).

Clovis II (633 CE - 657 CE)

Clovis II was the son of Dagobert I. He succeeded him to became the first of what are known as the roi fainéant, or "lazy kings."

Battle of Tertry (687 CE)

Mayor of the Palace in Austrasia in 680, Pepin II, known as Pepin of Herstal, embarked on numerous wars to further the expansion of his power. Pepin's statesmanship was notable as it reduced Merovingian royal authority, and his victories in battle drew acceptance of the undisputed right to rule for his family.

Kings of Francia

Eventually, the Merovingians were supplanted by the Carolingian dynasty as kings of Francia. The Frankish realm was divided between east and west, with those to the west becoming known as the French.

Merovingian legacy

Building on the legacy of the Merovingian's dynasty, the Carolingians came to be the most important ruling dynasty in Western Europe.