Fall of the Carolingian Empire
After the death of Charlemagne (Charles the Great) in 814 AD the Frankish Empire was faced with serious issues. The Arab conquest has made...
Franks and Merovingian dynasty (450-511 AD)
The Franks were a Germanic tribe; their ancient homeland was located around the western part of the Baltic Sea and in northern Germany. The...
Merovingian dynasty of the Franks (511-714 AD)
The Frankish kingdom was elective, but the election of the king was limited to the Merovingian dynasty. Since there was no distinction between state...
Social system and rule under the Merovingians
The king was the ruler of the state and kingship was elective, but the only possible candidates were descendants of the Merovingian dynasty. Since...
Carolingian Dynasty (714-768)
Charles Martel (714 – 741)
Pepin of Herstal died in 714 after uniting the Frankish state. His son Grimoald II died during Pepin’s lifetime. Nevertheless,...
Charlemagne or Charles the Great (768 – 814) – King of...
Pepin the Short died in 768. Shortly before his death he decided that his son Charles would rule over Austrasia and Neustria, while his...
Development of Charlemagne’s state
Charlemagne (Charles) was tall and strong; he was fond of physical exercises, hunting and was no heavy drinker. He spoke Frankish, Latin and a...
