Carantanians
The Carantanians were a Slavic principality that existed in the territory of present-day Austria and Slovenia during the Early Middle Ages. Their name is derived from the Carni, an ancient Celtic people who inhabited the region, and the Slavic word "grad" meaning "fortress" or "city." The Carantanian state emerged in the 7th century, likely from a combination of Slavic settlers and the remnants of the local population.
The exact political structure and extent of the Carantanian principality are not fully documented. Historical sources
In the late 8th century, Carantania fell under the influence of the Frankish Empire, particularly under Charlemagne.