Merovingian dynasty
481–737, 743–751
The Merovingian dynasty is the first Frankish royal line, descended from the Salian Franks established around Cambrai and Tournai. It takes its name from Merovech, the semi-legendary ancestor of Clovis, who unified the Frankish kingdoms and converted his people to Christianity around 496. After reaching its height under Dagobert I, the dynasty gradually weakened in favour of the mayors of the palace, in the period known as the "do-nothing kings", until its last king was deposed in 751. The Carolingians, emerging from this same palace aristocracy, then succeeded it at the head of the Frankish kingdom.
Key figures
Clovis Iv. 466–511Unifier of the Frankish kingdom; converted to Christianity (c. 496), made Paris his capital
Clothar Iv. 497–561Reunified the entire Frankish kingdom in 558 after his brothers' deaths
Brunhildav. 545–613Queen and regent, central figure in the civil wars of the late 6th century
Fredegundv. 545–597Queen whose rivalry with Brunhilda triggered decades of civil war
Dagobert Iv. 603–639Last powerful Merovingian king; peak of the kingdom and final major eastward expansion
Childeric IIId. après 751Last Merovingian king, deposed and tonsured by Pepin the Short
Key events
481Clovis becomes king of the Salian Franks
496Conversion and baptism of Clovis to Catholicism
511Death of Clovis; first Council of Orléans and division of the kingdom among his sons
558Clothar I reunifies the entire Frankish kingdom
613Execution of Brunhilda, end of the "royal feud" between rival families
639Death of Dagobert I; beginning of the gradual decline of royal authority
737Charles Martel rules without appointing a king, start of the interregnum
751Pepin the Short deposes Childeric III; end of the Merovingian dynasty