Frankish Empire

The Frankish Empire was a state ruled by Frankish dynasties across parts of western and central Europe, reaching its greatest extent under Charlemagne.

Franks: A group of Germanic peoples whose rulers established kingdoms in parts of the former Western Roman Empire. Frankish identity and power grew from these peoples and their early kingdoms.
Carolingian Renaissance: A revival of learning, manuscript production, and artistic activity promoted at the Frankish court from the late eighth century. Court-sponsored education helped standardize religious and administrative practices.
Charlemagne: The Carolingian ruler who became king of the Franks in 768 and emperor in 800. His conquests and imperial coronation marked the empire's high point.
Treaty of Verdun: The 843 agreement that divided the Carolingian Empire among the sons of Louis the Pious. It established three successor realms after civil war among the heirs.
Clovis I: The Frankish king who united much of Gaul and converted to Catholic Christianity around the end of the fifth century. His conquests and conversion laid foundations for Merovingian rule.
Missi dominici: Royal envoys sent in pairs to inspect local officials and communicate the ruler's orders in the Carolingian Empire. They carried central authority into distant counties.
Charles Martel: The Frankish mayor of the palace who governed the kingdom and expanded his family's power in the early eighth century. His political and military dominance paved the way for Carolingian kingship.
East Francia: The kingdom formed from the eastern portion of the Carolingian Empire under Louis the German. It became a major successor state to the Frankish imperial realm.
Merovingian dynasty: The dynasty that ruled the Franks from the fifth century until the rise of the Carolingians. The Merovingians formed the first Frankish royal house.
County (medieval): A territorial district administered by a count in many medieval European kingdoms. Counts governed local districts on behalf of Frankish rulers.

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