The Frankish nobility emerged during the early Middle Ages in the region that is now modern-day France and parts of Germany. They were a powerful class of landowners who played a crucial role in the expansion and governance of the Frankish Empire. Nobles were often granted land by the king in exchange for military service and loyalty, forming a feudal system that defined social and political structures. These nobles held significant influence over local populations and were responsible for maintaining order and collecting taxes. Prominent figures among the Frankish nobility included Charlemagne, who expanded the empire and promoted education and culture. The nobility's power gradually declined with the rise of centralized monarchies in later centuries.