The document describes how the Franks gained control of Europe during the decline of the Western Roman Empire. The Franks were Germanic tribes that settled in a small kingdom in Gaul. Clovis was a Frankish king who conquered and united the other Frankish tribes, though his sons later divided the kingdom. Pepin II reunited the Frankish kingdom, and his son Charles Martel defeated the Moors. Pepin III overthrew the last Merovingian king and established the Carolingian dynasty. Charlemagne further expanded the Frankish kingdom and was declared emperor by the pope. After his death, the empire declined and was divided by the Treaty of Verdun between his grandsons.