Definition

Proper noun 1. A Frankish royal dynasty: The Merovingian Dynasty was the ruling family of the Franks, a Germanic people, who established a kingdom in the region of ancient Gaul (roughly modern France, Belgium, and parts of Germany) from the 5th to the 8th century AD. It was founded by Childeric I and his more famous son, Clovis I, who united the Frankish tribes, converted to Christianity, and established the dynasty's power.

Examples of Usage

• Proper noun:
  • The Merovingian Dynasty ruled during the transition from late antiquity to the early Middle Ages.
  • Clovis I, the most famous king of the Merovingian Dynasty, converted to Catholic Christianity.
  • The power of the Merovingian Dynasty gradually declined, leading to the rise of the Carolingian Mayors of the Palace.

Advanced Usage

• "Merovingian" as an adjective: The term is also used adjectivally to describe things related to this dynasty or period.
  • Merovingian art is known for its intricate metalwork and jewelry.
  • The Merovingian period was marked by the fusion of Roman and Germanic cultures.

Variants and Related Words

• Merovingian (noun): A member of this dynasty.
  • The last Merovingian king was deposed in 751 AD.
• Merovingian (adjective): Of or relating to the Merovingian dynasty.
  • Archaeologists discovered a Merovingian burial site.

Synonyms

• Merovingians: (When used as a plural noun to refer to the dynasty or its members).
• First Frankish Dynasty: (A descriptive synonym, though less common).

Related Phrases and Concepts

• "Do-nothing kings" (rois fainéants): A later period of the dynasty where kings were often figureheads while real power was held by the Mayor of the Palace.
  • The later Merovingian rulers are often referred to as the "do-nothing kings."
• Carolingian Dynasty: The succeeding dynasty that replaced the Merovingians, founded by Pepin the Short and most famously ruled by Charlemagne.

Noun

1. a Frankish dynasty founded by Clovis I that reigned in Gaul and Germany from about 500 to 750