Final answer:
Clovis's era was characterized by partible inheritance, leading to familial conflict and weakened estates. This practice, rather than direct violence, led to internal strife in the Merovingian dynasty, setting the stage for the rise of the Carolingians.
Step-by-step explanation:
The actions of Clovis towards his extended family can be best understood within the historical context of Merovingian rule and the subsequent Carolingian dynasty. While Clovis himself was not directly implicated in violent acts against his extended family, the practice of partible inheritance during the Merovingian era often led to infighting and conflict over land and power. Over time, the division of lands among sons weakened individual estates, which eventually contributed to the rise of the Carolingians and the end of Merovingian dominance. An example of this, although after Clovis's time, is Charlemagne's seizure of his nephew's land, illustrating the precedence of power over familial ties.