Merovingian Epigraphy, Frankish Epigraphy, and the Epigraphy of the Merovingian World

Inscriptions are a rich and illuminating source for Merovingian history, and the study of epigraphy illuminates important aspects of literacy and culture at this time. Inscriptions are attested for the entirety of the Merovingian period, from the end of Roman control through the rise of Clovis to the end of Merovingian rule. They are preserved not only in surviving inscribed artifacts (stone, metal, stucco), but also in medieval manuscripts. In addition to commemorating Merovingian kings, queens, bishops, and members of the aristocracy, inscriptions preserved in Latin and runic script inform us of the names and hopes of otherwise unknown Franks, male and female. New examples of inscribed objects continue to surface. Beyond inscriptions dedicated to members of the Merovingian royal family, this chapter discusses epitaphs of non-Merovingian royals, inscriptions of Franks, and inscriptions alleged to have been written in “Frankish.” An appraisal of scholarship on epigraphy is followed by a survey of the evidence from the entirety of the Merovingian world.