Originally one of the three main divisions of the Frankish confederation, the Salians had their homeland to the east of the Zuider Zee in modernday Holland, just south of the Frisians. The Salians, and other Frankish tribes, pushed continually south and west into Roman Gaul in the 4th and 5th centuries. Frequently granted the status of Roman foederates, they were supposed to defend the Roman borders, but often merely moved further into Gallic territory.

When the Saxon Ottonian dynasty of the Liudolfings failed in 1024, the German crown passed to the Salian line. Four Salian kings ruled Germany from 1024 to 1125: Conrad II, Henry III, Henry IV, and Henry V. The Salians were the last Holy Roman Emperors to receive power by inheritance rather than election.

Another important aspect of Salian law (Lex Salica) is the exclusion of women from inheriting royal titles or at least ancient Salic land (depending on interpretation). This issue features prominently in the justification for England's invasion of France in Shakespeare's play, Henry V.

The name "Salian" or "Salic" means "salty", probably referring to the proximity of their ancient homeland to the sea. Possibly related are the names of Salland in the Netherlands and Sjaelland in Denmark.

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