The Merovingian Kings were a dynasty that ruled the Franks from the 5th to the 8th century. They are known for establishing one of the first major kingdoms in what is now France and Germany. The most famous of these kings was Clovis I, who united various Frankish tribes and converted to Christianity, which helped strengthen his rule. The Merovingians are often referred to as the "long-haired kings" due to their tradition of wearing long hair as a symbol of royalty. Their reign saw the development of early medieval society, but by the 7th century, their power declined, leading to the rise of the Carolingian dynasty.