Which dynasty followed the Merovingians?

• A. Carolingians
• B. Ottonians
• C. Visigoths
• D. Lombards

Answer: (A)

The Frankish realm passed to the Carolingians after the Merovingian line waned. Although the Merovingians ruled for centuries, real power centralized in the hands of the mayors of the palace, leading to a shift in authority. In 751, Pepin the Short, with papal backing, deposed the last Merovingian king and established the Carolingian dynasty, with Charlemagne later expanding and strengthening the empire. This makes the Carolingians the dynasty that directly followed the Merovingians. The other options come from different times or regions: Ottonians arise in the Holy Roman Empire centuries later, while Visigoths and Lombards refer to groups in Iberia and Italy, not the Frankish succession immediately after the Merovingians.