As early as the 5th century AD, Francs aristocrats were buried in the basilica, Dagobert was the first sovereign to be buried there in 639. Over the centuries the Saint-Denis basilica became the "King's Cemetery". In the 13th century the necropolis character of Saint-Denis was reinforced by the introduction of sculpted tombs, their magnificent style was to evolve over the centuries. Today, 43 kings, 32 queens and 10 great servants of the kingdom of France repose in the basilica.