The Frankish Kingdoms were a group of territories in Western Europe that emerged during the early Middle Ages, primarily inhabited by the Franks, a Germanic tribe. These kingdoms played a significant role in shaping European history, especially after the fall of the Western Roman Empire. The most notable of these kingdoms was the Merovingian Dynasty, which ruled from the 5th to the 8th centuries. Later, the Carolingian Dynasty rose to prominence, with Charlemagne as its most famous ruler. Under his leadership, the Frankish Kingdom expanded significantly, uniting much of Western Europe. The Carolingian Empire laid the groundwork for future European states and influenced the development of medieval culture and politics.