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Purpose & History

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OBJECTIVES AND PURPOSE

In furtherance of its intention to act as a genealogical, historical “Order” and to operate for “educational purposes”, the objectives and purposes of the “Order of the Merovingian Dynasty” are to educate not only its members but as widespread a population as reasonably feasible by means of the following specific endeavors:

1. Identifying and honoring the memory of ancestors who were the “Kings of the Merovingian Dynasty”.

2. Associating the living descendants of these “Merovingian Kings” as members of the Corporation and bringing them into closer association through activities revolving around matters of common historical and genealogical interests.

3. Collecting and preserving records, documents, and relics pertaining to the history and genealogy of the “Merovingian Kings.”.

4. Producing and distributing publications of all kinds relating to the history and genealogy of the “Merovingian Kings.”

5. Educating the general public to the maximum extent possible about the history of the Merovingian Kings and their subsequent impact upon western civilization.

Ancient

History of the Order of the Merovingian Dynasty

The Order of the Merovingian Dynasty (OMD) was conceived of and organized in September 2004 by 23 Founder Members whose names denote leadership in the field of genealogy to honor the heritage of the Merovingian Kings, the first of which was Mérovée who governed the Salic Franks from 448-457. The Merovingian period represents the earliest period that reputable genealogists feel we have accurate records for and thus can develop lineages from this era.

The Merovingian Kings

The Merovingian Kings were part of a dynasty that had the longest lasting rule following the Roman Empire, and preceded the Carolingians and Charlemagne.

The Franks first appeared as settlers on the lower Rhine in two divisions, the Salians (dwellers by the sea, sal), and the Ripuarians (dwellers by the riverbank, ripa). By the 4th century, the Salians were established in the area between the Meuse and the Scheldt as federates of the Roman Empire; the Ripuarians, in the tract between the Rhine and the Meuse. They formed no permanent confederations and unlike other Germanic peoples did not migrate as a nation but expanded.

Discovery Of

Merovingian Dynasty Lineage

The Dynasty of the Salian Franks began with the semi-legendary Merovech (Mérovée) first noted c. 430. His son, King Childric (d. 481) fought as a federate of the empire at Orleans when Adtius defeated the Visigothss, and he later defeated the Saxons on the Loire. His tomb was found (1653) at Tournai, the capital of the Salians. The son of Childric was Clovis I, King of Cologne, born 466 died 511 in Paris. For more information refer to “Merovingian Kingdoms, 450~751”, 1994 by Ian Wood. Gregory of Tours also wrote extensively about this period.

Those who are members of The Order of the Crown of Charlemagne in America, The Baronial Order of the Magna Charta, The Military Order of the Crusades, Order of the Crown in America, National Society Americans of Royal Descent, and the National Society Daughters of the Barons of Runnemede may be invited to apply for membership in OMD