The Merovingian realm was the largest and most powerful western European state following the fall of the Western Roman Empire. The first Merovingian king was Childeric I who died in 481 AD, followed by his son Clovis I who converted to Christianity, united the Franks and conquered all of Gaul except Burgundy and all of Germania except Saxony. Typically there was a mix of people and culture found in the Merovingian society such that Gallo-Roman populations would be integrated with the Germanic populations, and Frankish or Alemannic goods are artifacts would be mixed with Roman or Byzantine items. Richly furnished graves of nobility known as Adelsgrablege demonstrated how the kinship structure and family status would include not just immediate family, but also those in their immediate retinue. It is also worth noting that Niederstotzingen was an important land route near the crossroad of two former Roman highways.

The Merovingian realm was created by defeating the Visigoths and Burgundians as well as forcing the Alemanni, Bavarii and Saxons to accept their lordship. As the Ostrogoths fell from power, Provence was also conquered. Italy meanwhile remained stable under its own Lombard rule. The Merovingian kings appointed counts who would take over roles such as defense, administration and judgement of disputes. This was necessary to bring order into western Europe which no longer had a Roman system of taxation and bureaucracy. The Gallo-Roman population was far greater than the Frankish population in Merovingian Gaul. The further south one travelled, the weaker the Frankish influence became as the Frankish language was forgotten fairly rapidly over time - colloquial Latin remained the spoken language here during the Merovingian period.

Niederstotzingen is one of the most famous Merovingian grave sites. A noble family of 5 males was buried together representing 3 generations. They were accompanied by their retinue and had a variety of military equipment representing very diverse cultural styles. Of the remaining 5 good samples found at the dig, 2 were likely Gallo-Roman or Byzantine retinue, one was a Slavic child, and 2 were Alemannic warriors. All the bodies were male and many showed wear and tear from combat. Among the many artifacts buried was a Byzantine helmet and armor. The armor consists of platelets known as lamellae which are laced together in rows. This type of armor typifies the broad culture found in the Merovingian realm. Many other Byzantine items were found buried amongst the family including equestrian gear and personal items. Numerous Longobard items wer also found indicating contact with the Germanic tribe settled into northern Italy.

A Franconian double-edged ring-sword and engraved lance was buried with the family likely representing a gift from a Merovingian (Frankish) overlord to this important Alemannic family. Ring-swords are characterized by a small ring fixed to the hilt and were found in Anglo-Saxon England, Finland, parts of Scandinavia as well as France and Germany. These swords were prestigious prized possessions, reserved only for kings and high nobility. The ring is interpreted as an oath ring. Numerous spathae and saexes (swords) were also found with the graves of the family. Some graves were buried with Alemannic specific items, whereas the senior family members tended to be buried with some exotic weapons and armor.