Did the Frankish Empire split into countries?

Answer 1

The Frankish Empire (Francia) was the realm of the Franks, a Germanic people, from the 400s to the 900s. These people were unique in that they adopted Roman Catholicism instead of Paganism, which was widespread at the time. Clovis I united the Frankish kingdoms in 481. However, in 843 the empire was permanently divided into the western and eastern parts, which today correspond to France and Germany, respectively.

In the beginning, the two main Frankish tribes were the Salians and the Ripuarians. The former inhabited the coast in Gallia Belgica, and the latter lived along the Rhine. In 451, Roman general Flavius Aetius fought off the Huns in alliance with the Salians. The Ripuarians fought on both sides because some of them lived outside Roman borders. According to historical chronicles, after these events Meroveus became the king of the Franks. He was succeeded by Childeric I and Clovis.

In 493, Clovis converted to Christianity after his marriage with princess Clothilde of Burgundia. The rest of the Franks converted soon after. Obviously, this helped elevate them in the eyes of the Pope. As a result, the Franks found greater support and acceptance from the Romans than the Vandals, Visigoths and other tribes. Consequently, the Frankish realm became one of the most stable in terms of politics.

Upon his death, Clovis divided the kingdom between his four sons, ushering in a tradition of partition that would endure for Centuries. In 561, Frankish territory was split into Austrasia, Neustria and Burgundy. By the 8th Century, Austrasia had come to the fore. Its rulers laid the foundations for the Carolingian dynasty, which would remain in power until 887.

The so-called Mayor, a member of the Carolingian dynasty, ruled the kingdom. The king himself was effectively powerless. During the reign of Charles Martel, this practice was generally accepted. He did not even bother appointing a king. Martel is forever remembered for his valiant defence of Christianity against the invading Muslims and his victory in the Battle of Tours.

In 768, the brothers Charles and Carloman became rulers of the kingdom. However, Carloman retreated to a monastery, leaving Charles in total control. This ruler became known as Charles the Great, or Charlemagne. From 772 on, he attacked and defeated the Saxons and incorporated their territories into the Frankish realm. He created a kingdom stretching from the Pyrenees in the south-west over almost all of present-day France to most of Germany, along with Austria and northern Italy. He was even crowned the Holy Roman Emperor in 800. Charles was succeeded by Louis the Pious. Upon the latter's death, the Empire was divided into three parts pursuant to the Treaty of Verdun -- East Francia, West Francia and Central Francia.

So overall the Frankish Empire did not split into different countries!