The historical families of France played a significant role in shaping the country's political and social landscape. Notable families include the Capetians, who established the French monarchy in the 10th century, and the Bourbons, who ruled from the 16th century until the French Revolution. These families often intermarried with other European royal houses, influencing alliances and power dynamics across the continent. Another important family is the Merovingians, known for their early rule over the Frankish kingdom. The Carolingians, including Charlemagne, succeeded them and expanded the empire significantly. These dynasties contributed to the development of France's identity and governance throughout the centuries.