King Theodoric’s correspondence by his secretary, Cassiodorus:

Palaces are the delight of our power, the fine examples of our rule and the honored witness of our Kingship. Admiring ambassadors are shown the palace and from their view of it they form their first impressions of the King. A thoughtful King therefore greatly enjoys a beautiful palace as it relaxes his mind, tired out by public cares and enjoying the pleasure of the building.

Continuity of Roman architecture in Merovingian villas, Royal Merovingian villas took Roman fora as their models. Roman buildings were often used as Royal Merovingian Urban Palaces.

The Merovingian Kings saw their domestic residences as a suitable vehicle for the expression of their power and wealth.

The Royal Merovingian Villas had many functions, the Kings treasure were stored there, the villas were also the stage for a wide variety of public services events. It was a law court, boarding school, seminary, hotel, and citizens advice bureau, all in the same building. Interviews with the King by individuals. But most public of all were the councils of assembly (synodi or conlocutiones) which Kings held at their villas. Conferences were held at the King’s villa, bishops were invited etc.

Merovingian Kings clearly saw their villas as suitable settings in which to play out their role as the head of the Kingdom, settings which would not detract from, but indeed increase the majesty of their judgements and decrees.

Paris as the Royal Capital of the Merovingian Kings was surrounded by important Royal villas. Most of the Royal Merovingian villas were located close to a river for easy accessibility.