The nature of Merovingian hegemony in Anglo-Saxon Kent

This project investigates the extent and character of 'Frankish hegemony' in Anglo-Saxon Kent during the fifth, sixth and seventh centuries A.D. It explores both the literary and archaeological evidence and assesses the relationship which existed between the Merovingian Franks and Anglo-Saxon Kent. The proposed study reveals new perspectives on this relationship. These include political, social, culture and economic ties. Based on this evidence, the study also considers the way these ties have been contextualised in major works of modern scholarship, as they are linked to this hegemonic conception. This examination provides greater insight into contextualising contemporary events including the Gregorian mission and the general development of North-West Europe during this period. It considers the various implications raised by economic, cultural, diplomatic and religious exchange systems. It addresses whether this affiliation should be reconstructed as 'hegemony' in any form. It considers if the assumed Frankish or Merovingian 'hegemony' can be reconstructed and justified through other theoretical frameworks. These include approaches such as post-colonialism.