The strongest and most significant of the barbarian groups, the Franks, were one of the first of these uncivilized peoples to actually convert to Christianity instead of Arianism, greatly aiding the spread of Christianity during the early Middle Ages. There were two influential families in the Kingdom of the Franks: the Merovinigians and Carolingians. 

A member of the Merovingians, Clovis, ruled the Franks from 481-511. Regarded as a tenacious warrior and an illustrious ruler, Clovis persuaded the Frankish people to follow him when he converted to Christianity in 496. First accepting Christ in secret, Clovis then explained the unfamiliar religion to his warriors leading thousands to convert on the spot. 

Wanting to expand, Clovis conquered the Visigoths and divided his kingdom among his sons. Continuing the conquest, Clovis’ sons subdued the Burgundians in eastern Gaul and Ostrogoths in the eastern Alps. The Merovingian family continued to rule the Franks in the 6th century but were not skilled administrators, as they often fought among themselves. Merovingian power began to fade with the rise of another prominent family: the Carolingians. 

Charles Martel, a Carolingian, famously defeated the Muslim invaders at the Battle of Tours in 732, and became a hero. Because of this and the Merovingians incompetence, the Carolingians became de facto rulers of the Franks. A prominent man named Pepin the Short wished for his Carolingians to become de jure rulers over the Franks but wanted to take power legitimately without a struggle. Consequently, he got a blessing from the Pope to change the dynasty. There were two reasons the Pope gave his blessing: the fact that the Carolingians were more genuine in their faith than the Merovingians and the estrangement of the Popes from their former Byzantine protectors. 

Charlemagne has been called the “Father of Europe” due to his extreme fame and influence as a ruler and warrior. He was certainly the greatest fighter of the early Middle Ages, and exerted power over all Frankish lands including modern day France, Belgium, Netherlands, Western Germany, Switzerland, and northern Italy. Ruling alongside his brother in the early days of his reign, Charlemagne took full control when his brother died in 771 and ruled until 814. Unlike some of the past leaders, Charlemagne seemed to be a genuine Christain, helping distressed Christains and ensuring their safety in foreign lands. Charlemagne was pro-papal and fought all those who resisted, ultimately leading 53 campaigns in which he was always in the front of the battle. Charlemagne spread Christianity widely and converted the Saxons, although this was mostly done by forced conversion. In a historical moment, Charlemagne was crowned Emperor of the Romans by Pope Leo III, bringing back the idea of an empire that had civilizing intentions, law, and brought about peace.