Frankish
The Franks are the descendants of the Gaulish and Germanic tribes in central Europe. They were originally a loose confederation of Germanic tribes, east of the Rhine River. Over time, they moved west across the river and settled in Roman territories in Gaul. They fought both for and against the Roman Empire, eventually adopting the Latin language in their legal, religious, and governmental institutions. Their armies used many Roman military traditions, and their culture was heavily influenced by Roman culture and laws. The Franks began conquering their neighbors under the leadership of Charles Martel ("Charles the Hammer") with his grandson Charlemagne ("Charles the Great") eventually taking control of most of central Europe. They saw themselves as the continuation of the Roman Empire with Charlemagne even having the Pope crown him 'Emperor of Rome' in 800 A.D.
Charles Martel and Charlemagne were exceptional leaders but their descendants were less so. Charlemagne's plan to divide his kingdom among his three sons left a weakened empire. West Francia, centered in Paris, would become the core of modern France (the left section of red in the map above). Central Francia, centered in Aachen, Charlemagne's capital city, would be gobbled up by West Francia within a generation (the central section of red in the map above). East Francia, centered in Frankfort would become Germania (the green section in the map above) and eventually form the core of the Holy Roman Empire and then modern Germany. Provence (orange) Burgundy (purple) and the Lombard Kingdoms of Italy (pink) were all part of the Empire ruled by Charlemagne but each broke away and formed their own kingdoms after the Empire fell apart in the latter half of the 9th Century. Ultimately, Provence and Burgundy were reabsorbed by West Francia (or just Francia at that point) and the Lombard kingdoms were incorporated into Germania during the second half of the 10th century.
The Franks get their name from the word for "Free" which may also be translated as "Fierce". Their national weapons (used primarily in the 6th - 8th centuries), were named after them, they are short throwing axes that are called Franciscas.
Naming Traditions
Feminine names
Evelyn, Portia, Marcia, Aurora
Masculine names
Gerard, Bertram, Eduard
Family names
The Franks did not normally use family names or surnames.
Culture
Major language groups and dialects
A Gallic form of Latin
Major organizations
West Francia, Central Francia, and East Francia, western German City-states, Northern Italy (the Lombard Kingdoms).
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