The Merovingian Dynasty was a family of Frankish Kings who ruled during the 5th century AD, a key dynasty of rulers in Dark Age continental Europe. They were often called as the “long-haired kings” owing to their tradition of keeping unshorn hair.
After the Roman Empire collapsed, it was the Merovingians who stepped into the power vacuum, playing an important role in reshaping the political map of Europe and providing stability to the region. They held control for over 250 years, before being usurped and replaced with the Carolingian dynasty.
But there is a curious association with this line of Kings. According to recent popular theories, the Merovingians are identified as the descendants of Jesus Christ, who escaped crucifixion and fled to France with a pregnant Mary Magdalene, settling there.
A Royal line indeed, but is there any truth to the stories? And who were these fierce, Frankish warrior kings?
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