Neustria: The Rise of a New Power Centre

The term Neustria (“the new kingdom”) emerged to designate the western part of the Frankish territory, as opposed to Austrasia (the eastern kingdom).

Geography of power

Neustria extended from the Loire to the North Sea. Its main centres were Soissons, Paris, and Rouen. It was a rich region where Gallo-Roman elites remained very present and influential.

Chilperic, the Neustrian king

Chilperic I was the first major ruler to give this territory a political identity. By strengthening fiscal administration and relying on cities, he tried to transform his inherited share into a real state.

An identity forged in war

Neustrian identity was forged above all in constant conflict against Austrasia. What began as a succession partition became a rivalry between two Frankish “nations”, each with its own nobility, interests, and the dynasties of mayors of the palace that would appear later.

For two centuries, Neustria remained one of the political hearts of Merovingian Gaul, before being absorbed into the Carolingian Empire.