An exhibition entitled “The epoch of Merovingians – Europe without borders” has opened at Moscow's Pushkin Fine Arts Museum. It's a joint venture between Russian and German museums.

The dynasty of Merovingians ruled a tremendous territory extending from the Atlantic to the Urals, from the Baltic to the Black Sea between the 5th and 8th centuries. They were also known as the “long-haired kings”.

Some of the exhibits were brought from Berlin to the USSR as captured material after WWII and were held in secret store-rooms. Russian scientists began to study them just 4 years ago.

The Merovingians kept many traditions from the Ancient Roman culture both in everyday life and in the art of war.

The exhibition will run until mid May.