Since the 3rd century AD, Frankish followers repeatedly invaded Roman Gaul, causing significant devastation. In response, Emperor Julian settled Frankish warriors and their families in Toxandria, in present-day North Brabant, in exchange for military services, where they took over border security. The Franks not only constituted a considerable part of the soldiers in the Roman army but also attained the highest military and civil leadership positions, often held by Frankish regional kings. Eventually, one of them, King Clovis I from the Merovingian dynasty, succeeded in eliminating the other Frankish petty kings and, following the decline of Western Roman power, conquered all of Gaul. Under him and his successors, the Franks rose to become the leading military power.