Editing Nord-Pas-de-Calais (section)

=== The Frankish kingdoms ===

==== Christianization in the Merovingian Period ====
[[File:Cartulaire_Marchiennes_abbaye.JPG|thumb|[[Marchiennes Abbey]] was founded around 630.]]
During the [[Merovingian dynasty|Merovingian period]], the [[Salian Franks]] initially maintained their [[Paganism|pagan]] beliefs, unlike other Germanic tribes who converted to [[Arianism]]. [[Clovis I|Clovis]]'s conversion to [[Nicene Christianity]] was significant as it aligned with the remaining Roman Empire's religion, providing [[Divine right of kings|sacred legitimacy]]. This period saw a renewal of urbanization and the establishment of ecclesiastical authorities. [[Vedast|Vaast]] became bishop of [[Arras]] and [[Cambrai]] early in the century. By 511, however, the region was not sufficiently Christianized to be represented at the [[Council of Orléans|Council of Orleans]].<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Le Jan |first=Régine |date=2003 |title=La sacralité de la royauté mérovingienne |url=https://www.cairn.info/revue-annales-2003-6-page-1217.htm |journal=Annales. Histoire, Sciences Sociales |volume=58 |issue=6 |language=fr |pages=1217–1241}}</ref>

==== Between Neustria and Austrasia ====
The [[Merovingian dynasty|Merovingians]] did not have a concept of statehood; instead, fiefdoms were private domains.<ref name=":32">{{Harvtxt|Pierrard|1978|p=45}}</ref> After Clovis's death, his kingdom was divided among his sons, leading to dynastic struggles, notably between queens [[Brunehaut]] and [[Frédégonde]]. Around 630&nbsp;AD, during [[Dagobert I|Dagobert]]'s reign, significant Christianization efforts began with the establishment of numerous monasteries, such as [[Marchiennes]], [[Monastery of Santa Clara|Condé]], and [[Maroilles, Nord|Maroilles]].<ref>{{Cite book |last=Platelle |first=Henri |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=UEaaJhUn-psC&pg=PA160 |title=Présence de l'au-delà : une vision médiévale du monde |date=2004 |pages=160 |publisher=Presses Univ. Septentrion |isbn=978-2-85939-852-1 |language=fr}}</ref> These monasteries, supported by the Frankish aristocracy, played crucial roles in land development and extending royal power.<ref>{{Harvtxt|Pierrard|1978|pp=49–50}}</ref> Coastal areas saw less interest from the Franks, with the first bishop, [[Audomar]] (Saint Omer), arriving only in the [[6th century]].<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Meriaux |first=Charles |date=2000 |title=Thérouanne et son diocèse jusqu'à la fin de l'époque carolingienne : les étapes de la christianisation d'après les sources écrites |url=https://www.persee.fr/doc/bec_0373-6237_2000_num_158_2_451035 |journal=Bibliothèque de l'école des chartes |language=fr |volume=158 |issue=2 |pages=377–406|doi=10.3406/bec.2000.451035 }}</ref>