Traditionally regarded as the founder of the French monarchy, Clovis was born in the 5th century to a Frankish tribal leader. He became the sole ruler of the Salian Franks by force of perseverance—and by murdering a number of relatives. He defeated the last Roman ruler of Gaul, united the Frankish tribes to become ruler of their entire kingdom, made Paris his base of operations, and extended his realm into Germany. What experience supposedly influenced him to convert to Christianity? Discuss