The Franks

          The Franks were the strongest of all the Western European people who struggled for land and power after the end of the Roman empire in 476. Under their first great leader, Clovis, the Franks spread out from their homeland around the river Rhine (in what is now in Germany). They fought their neighbors such as the Visigoths and Burgundians until by 540, they had conquered most of the old Roman province of Gaul (modern France which is named after Franks). Clovis defeated rival chieftains to bring all the Frankish tribe under his control. His family became known as the Merovingian dynasty, after his grandfather Merovich. 

Clovis

          Frankish leaders were always ready to defend their lands and conquer new one. Their eagerness to to ride into battle meant they needed servants for military service. In return, the servants were granted land. This was the beginning of feudalism. Leading families jockeyed for the king's favor. In 600s two rival clans Austrasians fought Neustrians. The Austrasians ousted their counterpart and their chief, Pepin of Herstal, founded a new ruling family. Pepin's son Charles Martel, also known as Hammer won an historic battle at Poitiers against Muslim invaders in 732. This defeat checked the advance of Islam into central Europe. Martel's son, Pepin the short established the new Carolingian dynasty.  He was the first Frankish king appointed by Pope in 754. But the greatest of the Frankish rulers was Pepin's son, Charlemagne.

Charles Martel

          The Franks were farmers. They tilled their fields in strips using wheeled ploughs pulled by oxen. Tough Frankish warriors rode into battle with shaven heads and topknots, wearing light armor. Their skill with the axe, the common Germanic spear and shield, and above all their bravery made the many warriors of the Franks some of the most powerful of their time. They were formidable  cavalry fighters, whose loyalty was rewarded with booty. Frankish army defeated the Romans, Gouls and Visigoths who tried to halt their expansion.

Frankish Fighters