Merovingian dynasty facts for kids

Ancient Merovingian basilica in Metz, capital of the Austrasia kingdom

The Merovingians were a dynasty of Frankish kings who ruled in the region of ancient Gaul (more or less modern France), from the fifth to the eighth century.

They were sometimes referred to as the "long-haired kings" (Latin reges criniti) by people of the time, for their symbolically uncut hair (traditionally the tribal leader of the Franks wore his hair long, while the warriors trimmed theirs short). The term is drawn directly from Germanic, akin to their dynasty's Old English name Merewīowing.

The Merovingian dynasty owes its name to the semi-legendary Merovech (or Merowig, sometimes Latinised as Meroveus or Merovius), leader of the Salian Franks from c.447 to 457. Clovis I went on to unite most of Gaul north of the Loire under his control around 486, when he defeated Syagrius, the Roman ruler in those parts.

Other pages

• Franks (main history of Frankish kingdoms)

Images for kids

• 

  The Merovingian kingdoms at their height (the Saxons and Bretons also paid tribute to the Merovingian Kings, though at different times)

• 

  Signet ring of Childeric I. Monnaie de Paris.

• 

  Frankish gold Tremissis, imitation of Byzantine Tremissis, mid-6th century.

• 

  Coin of Chlothar II, 584–628. British Museum.

• 

  Triens of Dagobert I and moneyer Romanos, Augaune, 629–639, gold 1.32g. Monnaie de Paris.

• 

  Frankish gold Tremissis with Christian cross, issued by minter Madelinus, Dorestad, Netherlands, mid-7th century

• 

  Merovingian fibulae. Cabinet des Médailles

• 

  A gold chalice from the Treasure of Gourdon

• 

  Cover of Merovingian sarcophagus with Christian IX monogram, Musée de Saint-Germain-en-Laye

• 

  Baptistry of St. Jean, Poitiers

See also

In Spanish: Dinastía merovingia para niños