Carlukes

Carlukes refers to a family of early medieval Germanic peoples who inhabited the region of modern-day Bavaria. Their exact origins are somewhat obscure, but they are believed to have emerged from the broader group of Alemanni. Historical sources, particularly those from the Carolingian period, mention the Carlukes in the context of their interactions with the Frankish kingdom. They are often described as being part of a confederation of tribes living along the eastern frontier of the Frankish realm.

The Carlukes played a role in the political landscape of the 8th and 9th centuries. They were involved in both conflicts and alliances with the Franks, often under pressure from the expanding Carolingian Empire. Their presence in the region contributed to the complex ethnogenesis of the Bavarian people. Over time, as the Carolingian Empire consolidated its power, the distinct identity of groups like the Carlukes gradually merged into the larger Bavarian entity. Their history is intertwined with the broader movements and political developments of early medieval Europe, reflecting the dynamic nature of tribal identities and state formation during this era.