The Salic Franks or Merovingians, together with the Ripuarian Franks, have, by the beginning of the fifth century, settled along the Rhine and its tributaries from Mainz to the sea. They serve in the legions of the empire. In 406 they offer great resistance to the Vandals, Suevi, and Alani, who cross the Rhine and finally settle in Spain. The Salians begin to spread over northern Gaul, and in 429, under their chief Clodion, they win a great battle at Cambray and reach the Loire.
447 Merovæus or Mérovée, son-in-law of Clodion, succeeds as chief.
451 The Franks lend assistance to Aëtius, the Roman general, at his victory over Attila at Châlons.
458 Childeric, son of Merovæus, succeeds as the Salic chief.
481 Clovis, son of Childeric, succeeds at age of fifteen.
486 Clovis attacks the Romans under Syagirus at Soissons in northern Gaul. His great victory destroys the last vestiges of Roman power in the country, and the Salic kingdom is established. Clovis makes Soissons his capital.
493 Clovis marries Clotilda, a Christian princess.
496 Victory of Clovis over the Alamanni. Conversion of Clovis and the Franks to orthodox Christianity.
507 Clovis defeats the Visigoths at the great battle of Voulon, and kills Alaric the king. He now possesses the country from the Loire to the Pyrenees, and transfers his capital to Paris, where he occupies himself with securing his kingdom by destruction of all powerful neighbours, showing neither scruple nor pity.