Images of the Merovingians and Carolingians
Constance B. Bouchard
For over a millennium, the perception of role and achievements Merovingian Carolingian dynasties, those that ruled Franks from mid-fifth to late tenth century, was heavily shaped by writers working at court. These publicists sought establish previous dynasty made up uncivilized incompetents, in strong contrast their own ruling dynasty. Recently historians have begun examining this characterization not as simple description fact but rather part conscious ninth-century plan glorify Carolingians. The Merovingians are now seen less barbarians more Romanized Christians. Although do denigrate quite real achievements, they analyzing many models, kings ancient Israel Caesars, which emperors were compared publicists.
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