The Franks, like the Visigoths, expanded their influence by amalgamation. They developed their leadership from war bands and Clovis was one of the most successful and ruthless. He was also an
astute and ambitious political thinker. Under Clovis, the Franks created a kingdom that extended north of the Loire into what are now Belgium and Holland and part of West Germany.
Clovis had attacked Aquitaine before but it was the key battle at Vouillé in 507 where the Franks defeated the Visigoth army under Alaric, who was killed, and where Avitus was captured.
Follow with the Battle of Vouillé