Franks were a group of Germanic tribes that played a significant role in the history of Europe during the early Middle Ages. They originally settled in the region that is now France and Germany. The Franks are best known for uniting under leaders like Clovis I, who became the first king of the Franks and established the Merovingian dynasty. The Franks expanded their territory through military conquests and alliances, eventually forming the basis for the Holy Roman Empire. Their influence helped shape the cultural and political landscape of medieval Europe, leading to the rise of feudalism and the spread of Christianity.