The Merovingians (or Merovings) were a Salian Frankish ynasty that came to rule the Franks in a region largely corresponding to ancient Gaul from the mid fifth to the mid eighth century. Their politics involved frequent civil warfare between branches of the family. During the final century of the Merovingian rule, the dynasty was increasingly pushed into a ceremonial role. The Merovingian rule was ended by a palace coup in 751 when Pepin the Short formally deposed Childeric III, beginning the Carolingian monarchy.