Kingdom of the salian franks
The kingdom of the salian Franks marks the early establishment of salian Frankish rule in northern Gaul, leading to the eventual unification under Clovis I and the founding of the Merovingian dynasty. During this period, the Salian Franks expanded their territory, engaged with Roman politics, and laid the foundations for one of the most important medieval European kingdoms.
Kingdom of the salian franks | |
|---|---|
| 420–481 | |
 Frankish tribes and kingdom of the Salian in 435 | |
| Capital | Tournai |
| Demonym(s) | Salian Franks |
| Government | |
• | Pharamond |
• | Chlodio |
• | Merovech |
• | Childeric I |
| History | |
• Established | 420 |
• Disestablished | 481 |
| Today part of | |
Historical Context
[edit]The salian Franks were a Germanic tribe that initially settled along the lower Rhine in what is now Belgium and the southern Netherlands. During the decline of the Western Roman Empire, they took advantage of Rome's weakening grip to move into northern Gaul, where they would establish their own kingdom. The salian Franks were originally foederati of the Roman Empire, but as Roman control deteriorated, they gained independence and expanded their territory.