Franks hardy brave free e g Salian Franks

Franks = hardy, brave, free e. g. Salian Franks 5 th c. Salians become dominant Frankish tribe under Merovech and Childeric Map Link: Peoples and Kindoms in the West about 476: <http: //www. shadowedrealm. com/lib/images/medieval/ maps/map 001. jpg>

Clovis (Chlodovic, Chlodovocar, Chlodovicus, Chlodowech, r. 481 -511) Gregory of Tours (d. 594/5)

486 Clovis takes Soissons from Syagrius c. 491 Clovis conquers Thuringians Map Link: Germanic Kingdoms in 486: <http: //www. lib. utexas. edu/maps/historical/shepherd/ germanic_roman_486_1923. jpg>

c. 497 Clovis conquers Alemanni c. 500 Campaign vs. Burgundy 507 -8 Conquers Visigothic lands in south Map Link: Growth of Frankish Power: <http: //www. shadowedrealm. com/lib/images/medieval/ maps/map 067. jpg>

Sigibert the Lame, King of Rhineland (Ripuarian) Franks Chloderic

Clotild(a) Conversion in 497, baptism later Conversion of Clovis: Impact Frankish relations with Gallo-Romans Impact on non-Catholic neighbours Relations with Byzantine Emperor

The Roman Legacy Latin Roman Law Agricultural, Fiscal and Tax Systems Roads and towns Bureaucracy Pactus Legis Salicae (Salic Law) Maior Domus (Mayor of the Palace)

Frankish Military Continuation of reciprocal relationship between king and nobility Land-holding nobility Retinues of nobles Nobles overseeing towns

Peasants Increasingly unfree, bound to land Increasing homogeneity of position of peasants, slaves, etc.

Ongoing importance of kinship Patriarchal family unit Position of women Growth of number of villages Centres of social and religious life, security and support Judicial concerns, taxes

Review: Transformations Blending of Roman and Frankish elements Continuity of features Development of new tendencies

Chronicles of St Denis Monastic chronicle Compiled at Abbey of St. Denis, near Paris, 12 th-15 th c.

Gregory of Tours (538/39 -594/95) Born Clermont-Ferrand, with name Georgius Florentius 573 Becomes Bishop of Tours History of the Franks/ Ecclesiastical Histories, plus saints’ lives

Lex Salica/Pactus Legis Salicae (Law of the Salian Franks) Issued btw. 508 and 511