From Gaul to Francia
Paul Fouracre
The ways in which “Gaul” became “Francia” have been regarded as key to the development of Europe a whole during Middle Ages and beyond. This has led “Francocentric” view west European history. chapter considers how that was constructed from canon narrative normative sources. It examines emergence Frankish polity asks why so large. then kingdoms did not disintegrate over course seventh century, given political conflict evident later aristocracy church were considered cohesive well disruptive forces. A high level social, political, cultural, religious integration against background diminishing economic resources is seen central long-term stability polity. Shorter-term outbreaks violence are analyzed terms factional politics ultimately worked restore balance. closes with discussion balance power finally upset, leading demise Merovingian dynasty rise Carolingians. Emphasis, however, strong cultural continuities fruit long period basis Carolingian power.