Franks

A name derived from a Frankish root meaning ‘bold, courageous’. It designates an ensemble of Germanic peoples – the Franks – which was constituted on the right bank of the Mid and Lower Rhine River over the course of the 3rd century. Carrying out major invasions, they penetrated into Gaul between 430 and 450 before being unified under the authority of Clovis (v. 481-511). It is from this Frankish people which sprang the Merovingian and Carolingian dynasties.