The Franks | History, People, Definition, & Facts

History

A number of Germanic tribes who came into Gaul from northern Europe are where the Franks got their start. Today’s France is located in this region, and the Franks are responsible for giving the country its name. The Merovingian Dynasty and the Carolingian Dynasty were the two primary dynasties that controlled the Franks during the Middle Ages.

Merovingian Kingdom

In 509 AD, King Clovis led the Franks in their initial unification. He established the 200-year Merovingian Dynasty, which would rule the Franks. The Franks drove the Visigoths out of Gaul and into Spain under Clovis’ leadership. In addition, he became a Christian, becoming the first Frankish king to be acknowledged as one by the Pope.

Carolingian Empire

Pepin the Short, who had the backing of the Frankish nobility, overthrew the Merovingian Dynasty. Beginning with him, the Franks would be ruled by the Carolingian Dynasty from 751 until 843.

Charlemagne

Charlemagne, who ruled from 742 to 814, was the greatest emperor of the Carolingian Empire and the Franks. By extending the Frankish Empire, Charlemagne brought about the dominance of most of Europe. In addition to a strong administration, written laws, education, a monetary standard, and encouragement for the arts, he introduced several improvements to the Franks.

Roman Empire, Holy

The Pope installed Charlemagne as the first Holy Roman Emperor on December 25, 800. The Holy Roman Empire was thus founded. The Catholic Church was regarded as being under the protection of the Holy Roman Emperor. He was regarded as the supreme monarch of Europe and had the support of the church.

A Divided Empire

Louis the Pious succeeded his father Charlemagne as the only emperor after his death. Louis, though, had three sons. According to Frankish legend, the king’s sons divided the dominion among themselves. The Frankish Empire was partitioned into three states after King Louis’s death in 843; these states would subsequently develop into nations in Western Europe, including Germany and France.

Culture

The Middle Ages’ culture was in many respects centred on the Franks. The idea of the knight and the feudal system was created by the Franks.

Frankish Knight

The heavily armoured cavalry was one of the Frankish army’s most potent formations. These troops earned the title of “knights.” Only the wealthy could afford to become knights due to the high cost of metal armour and war horses. For their efforts in battle, knights frequently received land grants. The feudal system was influenced by this.

Feudal System

The land was split among knights or lords under the feudal system. The knights agreed to defend the king in exchange for the territory. This territory was referred to as a fief, and the oldest son frequently inherited both the fief and the knightly title.

Facts Worth Knowing About the Franks

The Merovingian Dynasty took its name from King Merovech, Clovis’s grandfather.

When Clovis was only 15 years old, he was crowned king.

Charles the Great or King Charles I were other names for Charlemagne.

Both the French and the German monarchy were established by Charlemagne. “Father of Europe” is how some refer to him.

Frankish knights typically used a long tunic called a hauberk as their chain mail armour.

The name “Bigfoot Bertha” was given to Charlemagne’s mother. At the time, this was a compliment referring to her gorgeous long, thin feet.

The “Carolingian renaissance” is another name for Charlemagne’s reign.