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The Merovingian Franks were a Germanic dynasty that ruled much of Gaul after Clovis converted to Catholicism around 496. They expanded Frankish power and blended Roman and Germanic customs. Their kings eventually lost real power to mayors of the palace.
The last effective mayor, Charles Martel, defeated a Muslim army at Tours in 732. His son Pepin deposed the last Merovingian king in 751. This ended the dynasty and began Carolingian rule.