The Franks
"The Franks entered the province of Gaul to the north of Trier, Cologne and
Mainz in the fourth century, at first as military colonists, or
foederati, of the Roman empire to keep out their fellow barbarians.
Later they advanced to fill the gap left both by the withdrawal of the Legions
and by the destruction by the Huns of the last Roman garrisons in the Rhineland
at Trier and Mainz. [p. 8]
"Sidonius Apollinaris, Bishop of Augergne (about 430-87/88), says: 'The Franks
are a tall race, a clad in garments which fit them closely. A belt encircles
their waist. They hurl their axes and cast their spears with great force,
never missing their aim. They manage their shields with great agility, and
rush on their enemy with such speed, that they seem to fly more swiftly than
their spears.'" [p. 11]
A.V.B. Norman, The Medieval Soldier (1993 Barnes & Noble, Inc.).
Richard R. Orsinger
rrichard@txdirect.net
Copyright © 1996 Richard R. Orsinger
This document was created on Saturday, August 31, 1996
Most recent revision Saturday, August 31, 1996