FRANKS,
merovingian kings
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Chapter 1. EARLY FRANKISH LEADERS in GAUL
Chapter 2. KINGS of the FRANKS [451/57]-751 (MEROVINGIANS)
CHILDERICH I [451/57]-[481/82]
CLOTAIRE 511-561, CHARIBERT 561-567, GONTRAN 561-592.
DAGOBERT I 629-[638/39], SIGEBERT III 634-656, DAGOBERT II 676-679
CLOVIS II [638/39]-657, CLOTAIRE III 657-673, CHILDERICH II 662-675, CHILPERICH II 715-718
Early sources are inconsistent regarding the origin of the Franks. Gregory of Tours is cautious, recording that "it is commonly said" that they came from Pannonia, crossed the Rhine, and marched through Thuringia, citing "the historians whose works we still have" (although none of these works to which he refers appears to have survived to the present day)[1]. If this is correct, Frankish occupation of Pannonia predated the arrival of the Ostrogoths, which is probably dated to the last decades of the 4th century from the account provided by Jordanes in his mid-6th century Getica[2]. The possibility of an early connection with Thuringia is reinforced by Chlodio's supposed grandson King Childerich seeking refuge there during his temporary exile from France. A more colourful version of the early history of the Franks is provided by the 7th century chronicler known as Fredegar who records a Trojan origin, and asserts that Merovech was conceived when Chlodio's wife went swimming and encountered a Quinotaur[3]. Ian Wood comments that there is no reason to believe that the Franks were involved in any long distance migration, as "archaeology and history suggest that they originated in the lands immediately to the east of the Rhine"[4]. This could also indicate Thuringia.
The Franks are first mentioned in the context of the Barbarian invasions of the Roman Empire in the 3rd century, Aurelius Victor and Eutropius stating that they crossed the Rhine near Köln in [257]. Gregory of Tours reports that "the Franks…set up in each country district and each city long-haired kings chosen from the foremost and most noble family of their race"[5]. If correct, this suggests a multiplicity of local leaders about whom nothing is known. Many Frankish tribes remained east of the Rhine, but by [500] most had settled west of the river[6]. Gregory reports that Chlodio was the first Frankish leader to invade Roman-occupied Gaul, as far as the river Somme[7]. He attributes to him the title "King of the Franks", but Chlodio was presumably only one of the many local Frankish leaders and hardly a "king" in the sense in which the word is used today. It is not known whether Chlodio was the only Frankish leader to invade Roman-occupied Gaul.
The Merovingian Franks quickly imposed themselves throughout Gaul. This presumably was partly because they were geographically well placed to fill the power vacuum left by the collapse of the Roman Empire, but was also attributable to the personality and capabilities of King Clovis. Although there are indications that the authority of Chlodio's supposed grandson Childerich was limited to "Belgica Secunda"[8], the latter's son Clovis subjugated the different Frankish sub-groups in the territory of what is now France and, by the end of his life, ruled between the Rhine and Loire valleys as well as in Aquitaine. His successors conquered Provence, Burgundy, Rhaetia, Alemannia and Thuringia.
Merovingian royal rule was regionalised. For example the four sons of King Clotaire I, who died in 561, ruled different territories from their bases in Paris, Orléans, Metz and Soissons. The divisions were later formalised into the kingdoms of Austrasia (from the Rhine to the Seine valley, including Flanders and Holland) and Neustria (between the Seine and Loire valleys), these names being used for the first time by Gregory of Tours in 577.
There are many areas of uncertainty in the detail of the genealogy of the Merovingian kings. The earliest generations are reconstructed for the most part from the History of the Franks written by Gregory of Tours in the latter part of the 6th century. As will be seen below, little supplementary information on the early generations is provided by other near contemporary sources, and all subsequent chroniclers appear to have used Gregory as their primary source. Gregory was well-informed about contemporary political events and the lives of members of the ruling family[9]. For example, he writes of his personal role in the events which followed the second marriage of Queen Brunhilde to Merovech in 576[10]. However, his narrative spans more than a hundred years so it would not be surprising if there were inaccuracies concerning individuals in the earlier part of the history. Dating presents a particular difficulty in Gregory as he rarely specifies dates, although he frequently refers to an occurrence happening a specific number of years after another event. The documents known collectively as the Chronicle of Fredegar provide a comparable level of genealogical detail for the Merovingian rulers until the mid-7th century, although as with other sources the narrative dealing with the earlier years appears based almost exclusively on Gregory's work.
From the later 7th century onwards, less detail is known about the families of the Merovingian kings. This reflects the decline in their personal power and the corresponding rise in the influence of their palace maiores domus, particularly those from the family whose descendants were later known as the Carolingian dynasty. This absence of information about the later kings is so marked that the relationships between two of them, Clotaire IV and Childerich III, and the main royal line is entirely speculative.
This document sets out the families of the Merovingian Frankish kings. The families of the maiores domus of the kingdoms of Austrasia, Burgundy and Neustria, as well as other Merovingian nobility, are shown in the companion document MEROVINGIAN NOBILITY.
1. CHLODIO, son of ---. Chlodio appears to have been the first Frankish leader to have invaded northern France. Gregory of Tours records that, according to "the consular lists", Chlodio "a man of high birth and marked ability among his people" was king of the Franks and lived in the castle of Duisburg [Dispargum] in Thuringia. He reports that Chlodio defeated the Romans and captured the town of Cambrai, before occupying Gaul as far as the river Somme[11]. Assuming that Chlodio was a historical figure, he was presumably only one of several local Frankish leaders as Gregory also reports that "the Franks…set up in each country district and each city long-haired kings chosen from the foremost and most noble family of their race"[12]. It is not known whether Chlodio was the only Frankish leader who invaded Roman Gaul. There is no direct reference to the dating of the invasion, but it presumably took place during the first half of the 5th century. The Liber Historiæ Francorum names "Faramundo rege, Chlodionem filium eius" when recording that he succeeded his father, in a later passage stating that he reigned for 20 years[13], but there is no basis for assuming that Faramund was a historical figure.
MEROVECH (-[451/57]). It is not known whether Merovech was a purely mythical figure or if there is some factual basis for his existence. If he did exist, his precise ancestry is not known. Gregory of Tours writes that "some say that Merovech, the father of Childeric, was descended from Chlodio"[14] but this is the only reference he makes to Merovech in his work. The early 8th century Liber Historiæ Francorum names "Merovechus de genere eius" as successor to Chlodio, commenting that he gave his name to the dynasty[15]. Fredegar asserts, colourfully, that Merovech was conceived when Chlodio's wife went swimming and encountered a Quinotaur[16]. It is possible that Merovech succeeded Chlodio as leader of the Franks in Roman Gaul. Assuming that he did enjoy some sort of leadership role over some or all of the Frankish tribes in Gaul, it seems inappropriate to attribute the title "king" to Merovech. In the first place, it is likely that his leadership was localised. In addition, Roman domination continued until the overthrow in 476 of the last Roman Emperor in the West, Romulus Augustulus, and no documentary evidence has so far been identified which suggests that there was a sub-level of Frankish administration, despite the fact that imperial authority was in decline during the later years.
m ---. The name of Merovech's wife is not known.
Merovech is recorded as having one child:
1. CHILDERICH (-Tournai [481/82], bur Tournai). Gregory of Tours records that Merovech was the father of Childerich[17]. The Liber Historiæ Francorum names "Merovechus…filium…Childerico"[18]. He succeeded in [451/57] as leader of the Franks in Roman Gaul, and subsequently adopted the title CHILDERICH I King of the Franks, confirmed by his undated seal which bears the title "Childerici Regiz"[19]. Gregory of Tours records that King Childerich's "private life was one long debauch" and that he was forced into exile in Thuringia by his subjects who chose as his replacement the Roman General Ægidius, named magister militum per Gallias in [456/57] and who ruled for 8 years[20]. Gregory of Tours records Childerich's restoration as king in Gaul, followed by his alliance with "Odovacar…[and] his Saxons" (indicating that this is unlikely to refer to the Ostrogoth leader in Italy), and their joint subjugation of the Alamanni[21]. A letter from Remigius Bishop of Reims to Childerich's son Clovis congratulates the latter on taking over his father's position in "Belgica Secunda"[22], implying that Childerich's authority was limited to the north-east part of Gaul. The Liber Historiæ Francorum records that "Childericus rex" reigned for 24 years[23]. m ([464]) as her second husband, BASINA, formerly wife of BASINUS King of Thuringia, daughter of ---. Gregory of Tours names Basina as wife of Basinus King of Thuringia, with whom King Childerich sought refuge after being deposed, Basina deserting her first husband to join Childerich after he was restored as king in Gaul[24]. The marriage date is estimated on the basis of how long Childerich was allegedly in exile, assuming that the date of his deposition is accurate, and is appears to be consistent with the estimated dates of birth of the couple's descendants. The Liber Historiæ Francorum records that "Childericus rex" committed adultery with "in Toringam…Basina regina uxorem Bisini regis" who abandoned her husband to join Childerich[25]. Assuming that Basina existed, it is unlikely that her first name is correct considering that it is the feminine form of her first husband's name. King Childerich & his wife had four children:
a) CHLODOVECH [Clovis] ([464/67]-Paris [27 Nov] 511, bur Paris, basilique des Saints-Apôtres [later église de Sainte-Geneviève]). Gregory of Tours names Clovis as son of Childerich & Basina[26]. He succeeded his father in [481/82] as CLOVIS I King of the Franks.
- see below.
b) LANDECHILDIS [Lantilde]. Gregory of Tours names Lanthechild as sister of King Clovis, specifying that she was baptised with him after having followed the Arian faith[27]. She converted to Arianism, according to the title of one of the sermons of Avitus Bishop of Vienne[28].
c) AUDOFLEDIS . Gregory of Tours names Audofleda as sister of King Clovis, recording that she married Theodoric King of Italy[29]. Iordanes records the marriage of Theodoric and "Lodoin Francorum regem filiam eius Audefledam" and names her brothers "Celdebertum et Heldebertum et Thiudebertum"[30], although this is presumably an incorrect reference to her nephews and great-nephew with similar names. m ([492]) THEODORIC King of the Ostrogoths in Italy, illegitimate son of THEODEMIR King of the Ostrogoths in Pannonia & his concubine Ereleuva --- ([454]-30 Aug 526).
d) ALBOFLEDIS (-after 496). Gregory of Tours names Albofled as sister of King Clovis, specifying that she was baptised but died soon after, St Rémy sending a letter of condolence to her brother[31]. From the context, it would appear that her baptism took place around the same time as her brother was baptised. “Remigius Episcopus” wrote to “Chlodoveo Regi” consoling him on the death of “germana vestra…Albochledis”[32].
Three brothers, relatives of King Clovis although the exact relationship is not known:
1. RAGNACHAR . Gregory of Tours records "a king called Ragnachar…sunk in debauchery" living at Cambrai whom King Clovis defeated in battle and murdered[33]. The relationship between the two monarchs is indicated by the Liber Historiæ Francorum which records that "Clodovechus" defeated "Ragnachario parente suo"[34].
2. RICCHAR . Gregory of Tours names Ricchar as brother of Ragnachar, recording that he was murdered with his brother by King Clovis[35].
3. RIGNOMER (-killed Le Mans ----). Gregory of Tours names Rignomer as brother of Ragnachar and Ricchar, recording that he was put to death at Le Mans after his brothers were killed[36].
CHLODOVECH [Clovis], son of CHILDERICH I King of the Franks & his wife Basina --- ([464/67]-Paris [27 Nov] 511, bur Paris, basilique des Saints-Apôtres [later église de Sainte-Geneviève]). Gregory of Tours names Clovis as son of Childerich & Basina[37]. The Liber Historiæ Francorum names "Childerico" as father of "Chlodovecho rege"[38]. He succeeded his father in [481/82] as CLOVIS I King of the Franks. He defeated Syagrius, ruler at Soissons, in 486. The Liber Historiæ Francorum records that "Chlodovechus" expanded his kingdom "usque Sequanam" and afterwards "usque Ligere fluvio"[39]. He remained a pagan after his marriage to a Catholic wife, but converted to Christianity in [496] allegedly having vowed to do so if successful in a battle against the Alamans[40]. He allied with Godegisel against Gondebaud King of Burgundy in [500][41]. He defeated and killed Alaric II King of the Visigoths at the campus Vogladensis[42], probably Voulan, near Poitiers, athough this is popularly known as the battle of Vouillé[43], in 507. Gregory of Tours records that Clovis took control of the territory of the Sigebert King of the Franks of the Rhine, after persuading Sigeric's son Chloderic to kill his father and then killing Chloderic, as well as the territory of Chararic King of the Salian Franks[44]. Gregory of Tours records the death of King Clovis in Paris "five years after the battle of Vouillé" and his burial in the church of the Holy Apostles, which he and Queen Clotilde had built[45].
[m firstly] ---, daughter of --- [of the Franks of the Rhine]. According to Gregory of Tours, the mother of Theoderich was one of King Clovis's concubines not his first wife[46]. Settipani[47] suggests that his mother was a Frank from the Rhine region, based on the inheritance of Austrasia by Theoderich and the roots "Theode" and "Ric" in his name, possibly transmitted through his mother from Theodemer and Richomer who were both 4th century Frankish kings. However,
m [secondly] (492) CHROTECHILDIS [Clotilde[48]] of Burgundy, daughter of CHILPERICH King of Burgundy & his wife --- ([480]-Tours, monastery of Saint-Martin 544 or 548, bur Paris, basilique des Saints-Apôtres [later église de Sainte-Geneviève]). Gregory of Tours names "Clotilde" as the younger daughter of Chilperich, recording that she and her sister were driven into exile by their paternal uncle King Gundobad, but that the latter accepted a request for her hand in marriage from Clovis King of the Franks[49]. Fredegar states that she was driven into exile to Geneva by her uncle, after he allegedly murdered her father, and that King Clovis requested her hand in marriage as a means of controlling Gundobad's power[50]. A charter dated 2 Oct [499], classified as spurious in the collection, of "Clodoveus rex Francorum" names "uxoris meæ Chrochildis…patris Chilperici regis Burgundiorum"[51]. Gregory of Tours records Clotilde's lack of success in converting her husband to Christianity until the fifteenth year of his reign, when he and his people were baptised by St Rémy Bishop of Reims[52]. Gregory of Tours records that Queen Clotilde became a nun at the church of St Martin at Tours after her husband died, and in a later passage records her death in Tours and burial in Paris next to her husband in the church which she had built[53]. She was canonised by the Catholic church, feast day 3 Jun[54].
King Clovis & his first [wife/concubine] had one child:
1. THEODERICH ([485]-end 533, bur Metz). Gregory of Tours names Theoderich as son of King Clovis by one of his mistresses, born before his marriage to Clotilde[55]. "Theodorico, Chlomiro, Hildeberto, Hlodario" are named (in order) as sons of "Chlodoveus" in the Regum Merowingorum Genealogia[56]. In 508, he led his father's campaign against the Visigoths, allied with the Burgundians[57], and temporarily occupied Aquitaine. He succeeded his father in 511 as THEODERICH I King of the Franks, based at Reims, his territory covering the right bank of the Rhine, the Moselle valley and Champagne, the lands which were later to become the kingdom of Austrasia. He helped Hermanfrid King of the Thuringians defeat the latter's brother Baderic, after being promised half his kingdom, a promise which was not kept[58]. Gregory of Tours records that King Theoderich and his half-brother King Clotaire invaded Thuringia in 531, deposed King Hermanfred (who was later killed) and annexed the kingdom[59]. The Liber Historiæ Francorum records that "Theudericus et Theudobertus filius eius et Chlotharius rex" invaded Thuringia and attacked "Ermenfredum regem Toringorum", a marginal addition recording that "Teodericus filius Clodovei ex concubina" threw "Ermenfridum regem" from a wall and killed his two sons[60]. Adam of Bremen names "Hadugato" as the duke of the Saxons to whom "Theodericus rex Francorum" sent legates[61], undated but recorded immediately after the Thuringian invasion of 531. Gregory of Tours records the death of Theoderich in the twenty third year of his reign[62]. m firstly ---. The assumed birth date range of King Theoderich's son, Theodebert, indicates that the king's known wife Suavegotha cannot have been his mother, considering her own estimated birth date, but nothing is known about the king's presumed first wife or concubine. m secondly ([507/16]) SUAVEGOTHA of Burgundy, daughter of SIGISMUND King of Burgundy & his first wife Ostrogotha of the Ostrogoths (495 or later-). Gregory of Tours records that Theoderich King of the Franks married the daughter of Sigismund but does not name her[63]. The primary source which gives her name has not been identified. Gregory does not name Suavegotha's mother, but chronologically it is more probable that she was born from Sigismund's first marriage, which is also suggested by the root "-gotha" in her first name. King Theoderich & his first wife had one child:
a) THEODEBERT ([499/504]-end 547). Gregory of Tours names Theodebert as son of Theoderich, specifying that he was born before the death of his paternal grandfather[64]. His birth date range is estimated on the assumption that he was a young adolescent when he led the Frankish campaign against the Danes in 515. Gregory of Tours records that his father sent him "with a powerful army" to repel the Danish invasion led by Chlochilaich[65]. The Liber Historiæ Francorum records that "Theudericus et Theudobertus filius eius et Chlotharius rex" invaded Thuringia and attacked "Ermenfredum regem Toringorum"[66]. He succeeded his father in 533 as THEODEBERT I King of the Franks at Reims, Gregory of Tours recording that his childless uncle Childebert then adopted him as his heir[67]. Gregory records King Theodebert's campaign in northern Italy, which he appears to date to before the death of Queen Wisigardis which is recorded in the following section[68]. Theodebert subjugated Pannonia and threatened to attack Byzantium across the Danube. He was killed while hunting[69]. Gregory of Tours records that he died in the fourteenth year of his reign, and 37 years after the death of his paternal grandfather[70]. The Marii Episcopi Aventicensis Chronica records the death in 548 of "Theudebertus rex magnus Francorum"[71]. m firstly ([end 533/early 534]) as her second husband, DEOTERIA, widow of ---, daughter of ---. Gregory of Tours records that Theodebert seduced Deoteria, wife of an inhabitant of Cabrières near Béziers, after his betrothal to Wisigardis, and in a later passage that he married her after the death of his father[72]. According to Gregory of Tours, Theodebert deserted her after being pressured to marry his previous betrothed, but refused to take her back after his second wife died[73]. m secondly (betrothed before 533, 540) WISIGARDIS, daughter of WACCHO King of the Lombards & his second wife Ostrogotha of the Gepides (-[541/42]). Paulus Diaconus names "Wisigarda…[et] secunda Walderada" as the two daughters of King Wacho & his second wife, specifying that Wisigarda married "Theodeperto regi Francorum[74]. Gregory of Tours records that Theoderich betrothed his son Theodebert to "Wisigard, a king's daughter" and in a later passage that Theodebert married her "seven years [after he] had become engaged to [her]" after being pressured to desert Deoteria but that Wisigardis "soon died"[75]. m thirdly ([542/47]) ---. Gregory of Tours records that Theodebert "married another woman" after his second wife died but gives no details[76]. King Theodebert & his first wife had two children:
i) daughter ([532/33] or before-drowned Verdun ----). Gregory of Tours records that Deoteria bore a daughter to Theodebert, who left mother and child at Clermont-Ferrand when he returned to assert his claim to the throne on learning that his father was dying[77]. In a later passage, he records that she drowned in the river after her mother tipped her over a bridge in Verdun "afraid that the king might desire her and take advantage of her"[78].
ii) THEODEBALD ([534]-555). Gregory of Tours names Theodebald as the son of Theodebert and his wife Deoteria, implying that he was born after his parents' marriage[79]. He succeeded his father in 547 as THEODEBALD I King of the Franks at Reims, under the regency of his aunt Theodechildis. On his death, his territory was taken by his great uncle King Clotaire. Gregory of Tours records that he had a stroke and could not move from the waist down, dying in the seventh year of his reign[80]. The Marii Episcopi Aventicensis Chronica records the death in 555 of "Theudebaldus rex Francorum"[81]. m ([554]) as her first husband, WALDRADA, daughter of WACCHO King of the Lombards & his second wife Ostrogotha [Austregusa] of the Gepides. The Origo Gentis Langobardorum names "Wisigarda…secundæ Walderada" as the two daughters of Wacho & his second wife, specifying that Waldrada married "Scusuald regis Francorum" and later "Garipald"[82]. The Historia Langobardorum names "Waldrada" as Wacho's second daughter by his second wife, specifying that she married "Chusubald rex Francorum"[83]. Paulus Diaconus names "Wisigarda…[et] secunda Walderada" as the two daughters of King Wacho & his second wife, specifying that Walderada married "Cusupald alio regi Francorum" and later "Garipald"[84]. Gregory of Tours names "Vuldetrada" as the wife of King Theodebald[85]. Herimannus names "Wanderadam" wife of "Theodpaldus rex Francorum" when recording her second marriage to "Lotharius rex patris eius Theodeberti patruus"[86]. According to Gregory of Tours, King Clotaire "began to have intercourse" with the widow of King Theodebald before "the bishops complained and he handed her over to Garivald Duke of Bavaria"[87], which does not imply that Clotaire married Waldrada. She [married secondly], her first husband's great-uncle, Clotaire I King of the Franks, and thirdly (after 555) Garibald Duke in Bavaria.
King Theodebert & his [first/second/third] wife had one child:
iii) BERTHOARA (-after 566). The Carmina of Fortunat names "Berthoara…filie digna patri, te, Theudebercthe" when recording that she encouraged the building of the baptistry of the church of Mainz[88]. She is not mentioned by Gregory of Tours, and it is not known who was her mother.
King Theoderich & his second wife had one child:
b) THEODECHILDIS [Techilde] ([516/20]-[570/595]). Procopius refers to a sister of King Theodebert who was the wife first of Hermengisel King of the Warnes and secondly of Hermenegisel's son Radegis, the latter eventually sending her back home[89]. Flodoard names "Teudechildi, prefatæ reginæ [=Suavegotta regina] filiæ" recording that her mother allowed her the usufruct of a property which she donated to the church of Reims and later that she made her own testamentary donation to the same church[90], although it is not certain that this is the same person. Fortunatus wrote an epitaph to “Theodechildis Reginæ”[91], which indicates presumably that she lived until the late 6th century. She is not mentioned by Gregory of Tours. According to Settipani, she was regent for her nephew King Theodebald I in 547 but he does not cite the source on which this information is based[92]. [A charter dated 2 Oct [499], classified as spurious in the collection, of "Clodoveus rex Francorum" purports to be written when "filia mea…Theodechildis" was becoming a nun[93]. The editor of the Monumenta Germaniæ Scriptores series assumes that this charter refers to the daughter of King Theoderich[94]. Another charter, also classified as spurious, in the name of "Theodechildis filia Chlodoveo" purports to record a donation to the monastery of St Peter at Sens dated Sep 569[95].] m firstly ([540]) as his [second] wife, HERMENGISEL King of the Warnes, son of --- (-before 547). m secondly (before 547, repudiated [547/50]) her stepson, RADEGIS of the Warnes, son of HERMENGISEL King of the Warnes & his [first] wife ---. .
King Clovis & his second wife had [six] children:
2. INGOMER (b and d 493). Gregory of Tours names Ingomer as eldest son of King Clovis and his wife Clotilde, recording that his mother insisted on having him baptised against the wishes of her husband, who considered his early death as a sign of dissatisfaction on the part of the pagan gods[96].
3. CHLODOMER ([494/95]-killed in battle Vézeronce 21 Jun 524). Gregory of Tours names Chlodomer as second son of King Clovis and his wife Clotilde[97]. "Theodorico, Chlomiro, Hildeberto, Hlodario" are named (in order) as sons of "Chlodoveus" in the Regum Merowingorum Genealogia[98]. He succeeded his father in 511 as CHLODOMER King of the Franks, at Orléans, his territory covering the Loire valley from Orléans to Tour, Chartres, Sens and Auxerre. Gregory of Tours records that Chlodomer's mother incited him to attack Burgundy to revenge the death of her parents. He defeated and captured Sigismund King of Burgundy in his first invasion, but was defeated and killed by Sigismund's brother Gondemar during a second invasion[99]. The Liber Historiæ Francorum records that "Chlodomiris" led an army into Burgundy against "Godmarum", a marginal additional recording that "Gladmirus filius Clodovei regis Francorum" was killed during the course of the attack[100]. m ([514] or 521) as her first husband, GUNTHEUCA [Gondioque], daughter of --- [King of Burgundy]. Gregory of Tours names Guntheuc as widow of King Chlodomer and records her second marriage with his brother Clotaire, but does not give her origin[101]. The Liber Historiæ Francorum records that "Chlotharius" married "uxorem fratris sui…Gundeucam"[102]. Settipani suggests, for onomastic reasons only, that she may have belonged to the Burgundian royal family which, if correct, means that she must have been the daughter of either King Gondebaud or his brother Godogisel[103]. However, Gregory makes no mention of this in his lengthy description of King Chlodomer's campaigns in Burgundy, an omission which is surprising if his wife was related to his opponents. She married secondly ([524]) as his first wife, Clotaire I [Chlothachar/Lothar] King of the Franks. King Chlodomer & his wife had three children:
a) THEODEBALD ([521]-murdered Paris 531, bur Paris, basilique des Saints-Apôtres [later église de Sainte-Geneviève]). Gregory of Tours names (in order) Theudovald, Gunthar and Chlodovald as the sons of King Chlodomer, specifying that their paternal grandmother took them into her own household after the death of their father[104]. The Liber Historiæ Francorum records that "filios…Chlodomire orfanos Theudovaldo, Gunthario et Chlodoaldo" were brought up by "Chrodchildis regina" after their father was killed[105]. In a later passage, Gregory records that the two older sons were murdered by their uncle King Clotaire, who suspected that his mother was plotting for their succession to the throne, specifying that the older son was 10 years old[106].
b) GUNTHAR ([523]-murdered Paris 531, bur Paris, basilique des Saints-Apôtres [later église de Sainte-Geneviève]). Gregory of Tours names (in order) Theudovald, Gunthar and Chlodovald as the sons of King Chlodomer, specifying that their paternal grandmother took them into her own household after the death of their father[107]. The Liber Historiæ Francorum records that "filios…Chlodomire orfanos Theudovaldo, Gunthario et Chlodoaldo" were brought up by "Chrodchildis regina" after their father was killed[108]. In a later passage, Gregory records that the two older sons were murdered by their uncle King Clotaire, who suspected that his mother was plotting for their succession to the throne, specifying that the younger son was 7 years old[109].
c) CHLODOVALD [Cloud] ([524]-7 Sep [560], bur Monastery of Saint-Martin [later Saint-Cloud] near Paris). Gregory of Tours names (in order) Theudovald, Gunthar and Chlodovald as the sons of King Chlodomer, specifying that their paternal grandmother took them into her own household after the death of their father[110]. The Liber Historiæ Francorum records that "filios…Chlodomire orfanos Theudovaldo, Gunthario et Chlodoaldo" were brought up by "Chrodchildis regina" after their father was killed[111]. In a later passage, Gregory records that Chlodovald escaped the fate of his brothers and entered a religious life[112]. He became a monk at Nogent (now Saint-Cloud), near Paris, where he founded the monastery of Saint-Martin, renamed Saint-Cloud by the 8th century. The Vita Sancti Chlodovaldi records the death of Chlodovald on "VII Id Sep" but does not specify the year[113]. He was canonised as St Cloud, feast day 7 Sep[114].
4. CHILDEBERT ([497]-23 Dec 558, bur Paris, Saint-Germain des Prés). Gregory of Tours names Childebert as son of King Clovis and his wife Clotilde, listed after Chlodomer and before Clotaire[115]. "Theodorico, Chlomiro, Hildeberto, Hlodario" are named (in order) as sons of "Chlodoveus" in the Regum Merowingorum Genealogia[116]. He succeeded his father in 511 as CHILDEBERT I King of the Franks, at Paris, his territory covering the Seine and Somme valleys, as well as the northern coast of France as far as Brittany, Nantes and Angers. Gregory of Tours records that King Childebert attacked and defeated Amalric King of the Visigoths[117], which marked the end of the Visigothic presence in France and the start of the transfer of their power-base to Spain. He and his brother Clotaire launched a third attack on Burgundy, besieged Autun and occupied the whole kingdom, deposing King Gondemar II[118]. Gregory of Tours records that the childless King Childebert adopted his nephew Theodebert as his heir after the death of the latter's father[119]. He founded the monastery in Paris which, from the end 11th century, was called Saint-Germain des Prés. Gregory of Tours records the death of King Childebert in Paris and his burial in the church of St Vincent[120]. The Marii Episcopi Aventicensis Chronica records the death in 558 of "Childebertus rex Francorum"[121]. m ULTROGOTHA, daughter of --- (-after 561, bur Paris, Saint-Germain des Prés). Gregory of Tours names Ultrogotha as the wife of King Childebert, specifying that she was sent into exile with her two daughters by King Clotaire after her husband died[122]. Childebert I & his wife had two children:
a) CHRODESINDIS (-after [566/67], bur Paris, Saint-Germain des Prés). Gregory of Tours records that Ultrogotha and her two (unnamed) daughters were sent into exile by King Clotaire after her husband died[123]. Settipani cites a spurious charter of Saint-Germain-des-Prés dated 20 Aug 566, "falsified in the 11th century from a lost act of King Clotaire I", which names the two sisters[124].
b) CHRODOBERGA (-after [566/67]). Gregory of Tours records that Ultrogotha and her two (unnamed) daughters were sent into exile by King Clotaire after her husband died[125]. Settipani cites a spurious charter of Saint-Germain-des-Prés dated 20 Aug 566, "falsified in the 11th century from a lost act of King Clotaire I", which names the two sisters[126].
5. CHLOTHACHAR [Clotaire/Lothar] ([501/02]-Soissons [30 Nov/31 Dec] 561, bur Soissons, basilique Saint-Médard). Gregory of Tours names Clotaire as son of King Clovis and his wife Clotilde, listed after Childebert[127]. He succeeded his father in 511 as CLOTAIRE I King of the Franks, at Soissons.
- see below.
6. [THEODECHILDIS ([492/501]-576). A charter dated 2 Oct [499], classified as spurious in the collection, of "Clodoveus rex Francorum" purports to be written when "filia mea…Theodechildis" was becoming a nun[128]. As noted above, the editor of the Monumenta Germaniæ Scriptores series assumes that this charter refers to the daughter of King Theoderich[129]. Another charter, classified as spurious, in the name of "Theodechildis filia Chlodoveo" purports to record a donation to the monastery of St Peter at Sens dated Sep 569[130]. She founded the monastery of Mauriac in Auvergne[131]. m ---, king.]
7. CHROTHIELDIS [Clotilde] ([502/11]-531, bur Paris, basilique des Saints-Apôtres [later église de Sainte-Geneviève]). Gregory of Tours refers to the marriage of the (unnamed) sister of the four brothers Theoderich, Chlodomer, Childebert and Clotaire with Amalric King of the Visigoths, arranged after the death of their father, specifying that she was sent to Spain "with a great dowry of expensive jewellery"[132]. Gregory names her Clotilde in a later passage in which he records that she was maltreated by her husband, and brought back to France by her brother King Childebert who attacked and defeated King Amalric, but died on the journey and was buried in Paris beside her father[133]. m (511) AMALRIC King of the Visigoths, son of ALARIC II King of the Visigoths & his wife Theodegotha of the Ostrogoths (502-murdered 531).
8. [daughter . The Gesta Episcoporum Mettensis names "Agiulfus" as sixth bishop of Metz, stating that "patre ex nobili senatorum familia orto, ex Chlodovei regis Francorum filia procreatus", and that "nepos ipsius…Arnoaldus" succeeded him as bishop[134]. This is the only reference so far identified to this supposed daughter of King Clovis, whose existence should presumably therefore be treated with caution. The reference to her supposed grandson Arnold suggests some confusion with the sources which allege the existence of Bilichildis, possible daughter of King Clotaire I (see below). m ---.] [Two possible children:]
a) [AGIULF (-22 Nov ----). Bishop of Metz. The Gesta Episcoporum Mettensis names "Agiulfus" as sixth bishop of Metz, stating that "patre ex nobili senatorum familia orto, ex Chlodovei regis Francorum filia procreatus", and that "nepos ipsius…Arnoaldus" succeeded him as bishop[135]. A list of bishops of Metz records "Aigulfus" as 26th bishop, holding the position for 20 years, and his death "X Kal Dec"[136].]
b) [daughter . m ---.] [One possible child:]
i) [ARNOLD . Bishop of Metz. The Gesta Episcoporum Mettensis names "Agiulfus" as sixth bishop of Metz, stating that "patre ex nobili senatorum familia orto, ex Chlodovei regis Francorum filia procreatus", and that "nepos ipsius…Arnoaldus" succeeded him as bishop[137]. A list of bishops of Metz records "Aigulfus" as 27th bishop, holding the position for 8 years and one month, but omits the date of his death[138].]
CHLOTHACHAR [Clotaire/Lothar], son of CHLODOVECH King of the Franks & his second wife Chrotechildis of Burgundy ([501/02]-Soissons [30 Nov/31 Dec] 561, bur Soissons, basilique Saint-Médard). Gregory of Tours names Clotaire as son of King Clovis and his wife Clotilde, listed after Childebert[139]. "Theodorico, Chlomiro, Hildeberto, Hlodario" are named (in order) as sons of "Chlodoveus" in the Regum Merowingorum Genealogia[140]. He succeeded his father in 511 as CLOTAIRE I King of the Franks, at Soissons, his territory covering Soissons, Laon, Noyon, Arras, Cambrai, Tournai and the lower Meuse, the lands which were later to become the kingdom of Neustria. Gregory of Tours records that King Clotaire and his half-brother King Theoderich invaded Thuringia in 531, deposed King Hermanfred and annexed the kingdom, specifying that Clotaire brought his second wife back as part of his booty[141]. He and his brother King Childebert launched a third attack on Burgundy, besieged Autun and occupied the whole kingdom, deposing King Gondemar II[142] in 534. He invaded Spain, with his brother King Childebert, and besieged Zaragoza but was forced to withdraw[143]. He inherited the territories of his great-nephew King Theodebert in 555 and those of his brother King Childebert in 558, when he became sole king of the Franks. Gregory of Tours records his death, in the fifty-first year of his reign on the first anniversary of the killing of his son Chramn, at Soissons from a fever caught while hunting in the forest of Cuise and his burial at Soissons Saint Medard[144]. The Marii Episcopi Aventicensis Chronica records the death in 561 of "Chlothachrius rex"[145].
m firstly ([524]) as her second husband, his sister-in-law, GUNTHEUCA [Gondioque], widow of CHLODOMER King of the Franks, daughter of --- [King of Burgundy]. Gregory of Tours names Guntheuc as widow of King Chlodomer and records her second marriage with his brother Clotaire, but does not give her origin[146]. Settipani suggests, for onomastic reasons only, that she may have belonged to the Burgundian royal family which, if correct, means that she must have been the daughter of either King Gondebaud or his brother Godogisel[147]. However, Gregory makes no mention of this in his lengthy description of King Chlodomer's campaigns in Burgundy, an omission which is surprising if his wife was related to his opponents.
m secondly (531, repudiated) RADEGUND of Thuringia [Radégonde], daughter of BERTHECHAR [Bertaire] King of the Thuringians & his wife --- (Erfurt 518-Poitiers 13 Aug 587, bur Poitiers, basilique Sainte-Marie-hors-les-Murs). Gregory of Tours names Radegund as the orphaned daughter of Berthar[148]. The Vitæ Sanctæ Radegundis names "Radegundis natione barbare de regione Thoringa" and her "avo rege Bessino, patruo Hermenfredo, patre rege Bertechario"[149]. In a later passage, Gregory records that, after the Frankish invasion of Thuringia, Radegund formed part of the booty taken home by Clotaire I King of the Franks, who later married her[150]. The testament of Radegundis dated to [584/87] survives[151]. Gregory of Tours records the death of St Radegund on 13 Aug[152]. She was canonised, her feast day is 13 Aug[153].
[m] thirdly ([532]) INGUNDIS [Ingonde], daughter of ---. Gregory of Tours names Ingund as the wife of King Clotaire and mother of six of his children[154]. She was King Clotaire's concubine from [517][155].
[m] fourthly ARNEGUNDIS [Aregonde], sister of his third wife Ingonde, daughter of ---. Gregory of Tours specifies that King Clotaire's wife Aregonde was the sister of his wife Ingonde, making clear that the marriage was polygamous as he records that Clotaire reported his "marriage" to Aregonde to his wife Ingonde[156]. She is named "Chæregundem" in the Liber Historiæ Francorum[157].
[m] [fifthly] (555, repudiated) [as her second husband], WALDRADA, widow of THEODEBALD King of the Franks, daughter of WACCHO King of the Lombards & his second wife Ostrogotha of the Gepides. According to Gregory of Tours, King Clotaire "began to have intercourse" with the widow of King Theodebald, before "the bishops complained and he handed her over to Garivald Duke of Bavaria"[158], which does not imply that Clotaire married Waldrada. Herimannus names "Wanderadam" wife of "Theodpaldus rex Francorum" when recording her second marriage to "Lotharius rex patris eius Theodeberti patruus"[159]. She married thirdly (after 555) Garibald Duke in Bavaria.
Mistress (1): CHUNSINA, daughter of ---. Gregory of Tours names Chunsina as the mistress of King Clotaire, mother of Chramn[160]. She is named "Gunsinam" in the Liber Historiæ Francorum[161].
Mistress (2): ---. The name of King Clotaire's second mistress is not known.
King Clotaire & his third [wife] had [seven] children:
1. GUNTHAR ([517]-after 532). Gregory of Tours names (in order) Gunthar, Childerich, Charibert, Guntram, Sigibert and a daughter Clothsind as the children of King Clotaire and his wife Ingonde, specifying that Gunthar died in his father's lifetime[162]. It is assumed that the first three children at least were born illegitimate. Gregory of Tours reports that he served as an officer in his father's army, but died young[163].
2. CHILDERICH (-before 561). Gregory of Tours names (in order) Gunthar, Childerich, Charibert, Guntram, Sigibert and a daughter Clothsind as the children of King Clotaire and his wife Ingonde, specifying that Childerich died during his father's lifetime[164]. It is assumed that the first three children at least were born illegitimate.
3. CHARIBERT ([520]-Paris end 567, bur [Paris, Saint-Germain des Prés]). Gregory of Tours names (in order) Gunthar, Childerich, Charibert, Guntram, Sigibert and a daughter Clothsind as the children of King Clotaire and his wife Ingonde[165]. It is assumed that the first three children at least were born illegitimate. He succeeded his father in 561 as CHARIBERT King of the Franks, his territories covering those previously held by his uncle King Childebert, with Paris as his capital[166]. The Marii Episcopi Aventicensis Chronica records that "filii ipsius Charibertus, Guntegramnus, Hilpericus et Sigibertus" divided the kingdom between them on the death of their father in 561[167]. Herimannus names "Hariberti rex libidini deditus" when recording his marriages[168]. After his death, his kingdom was divided among his brothers. m firstly (repudiated) INGOLBERGA [Ingelberge], daughter of --- ([520]-Tours 589). Gregory of Tours names Ingoberg as the wife of King Charibert, but records that he dismissed her and took Merofled in her place[169]. Herimannus records the repudiation by "Hariberti" of his wife "Ingoberga"[170]. She retired to Tours after her repudiation. Gregory of Tours records the death of Queen Ingoberg, widow of Charibert, in the fourteenth year of King Childebert's reign, saying he thought that she was in her 70th year[171], although this age seems exaggerated considering the likely birth date of her daughter. [m] secondly (after 561) MEROFLEDIS, daughter of ---, a wool-worker. Gregory of Tours records that King Charibert fell in love with the two daughters of a wool-worker, Marcovefa and Merofled, and that after Queen Ingoberg humiliated their father by making him prepare wool for the royal household he dismissed the Queen and replaced her by Merofled[172]. [m] thirdly (after 561) THEODECHILDIS, daughter of ---. Gregory of Tours names Theudechild, daughter of the shepherd who looked after King Charibert's flocks, as another of the king's women and that after Charibert died she offered her hand in marriage to King Gontran, who seized most of her goods and packed her off to a nunnery at Arles from which she unsuccessfully tried to escape[173]. [m] fourthly his sister-in-law, MARCOVEFA, sister of MEROFLEDIS, daughter of --- (-before end 567). Gregory of Tours records the marriage of King Charibert and Marcovefa, sister of Merofled, for which they were excommunicated by "Saint Germanus the Bishop", as well as Marcovefa's death soon after before her husband[174]. King Charibert & his first wife had one child:
a) BERTA ([before 560]-[601/before 616], bur Canterbury, Church of St Peter and St Paul). Gregory of Tours records that the daughter of King Charibert and Ingoberg "eventually married a man from Kent and went to live there"[175]. Bede records that Æthelberht King of Kent had "a Christian wife of the royal family of the Franks called Bertha"[176]. It is reasonable to assume that Berta was born before 560, given the subsequent marital history of her father, who died in 567 having married three times after repudiating his first wife, although it is possible that some if not all of his marriages were polygamous. Kirby suggests that Berta's marriage took place in [580] after analysing the various contradictory chronological indications in contemporary sources[177]. According to Bede[178], King Æthelberht received Bertha "from her parents". As her father died in 567, and her mother in 589, this appears to mean that she married before 567 if taken literally, which seems unlikely. The word "parents" may in this context mean "relatives" more broadly. Already a Christian when she came to England, she was accompanied by Liudhard, a Frankish bishop[179], although if he attempted to convert her husband his efforts must have been unsuccessful in view of the later conversion of King Æthelberht by St Augustine. Queen Berta is named in Pope Gregory I's letter of 601 to her husband[180]. Bede records the burial of Queen Berta in the same church as her husband[181]. m ([580]) as his first wife, ÆTHELBERHT King of Kent, son of EORMENRIC King of Kent & his wife --- (after [550]-24 Feb 616, bur Canterbury, Church of St Peter and St Paul).
King Charibert & his second [wife] had one child:
b) BERTHEFLEDIS (after 561-after 589). Gregory of Tours names Berthefled as daughter of King Charibert, recording that she lived at the nunnery of St Martin at Tours but left to live at Le Mans (after a visit by Queen Ingiltrude complaining about her daughter Berthegund, which dates the event to 589), and that "she was a woman who ate and slept a lot, and she had no interest at all in the holy offices"[182]. The primary source which confirms that she was born from her father´s second [marriage] has not yet been identified.
King Charibert & his third wife had one child:
c) son (b and d after 561). Gregory of Tours refers to the unnamed son of King Charibert and Theudechild who was buried immediately after his birth[183].
King Charibert & his --- wife had [one child]:
d) [CHROTIELDIS [Clotilde] ([after 561]-after 590). Gregory of Tours records that Clotilde, who "used to pretend that she was Charibert's daughter" (which suggests doubts about the correctness of her assertion), led a revolt in the convent of Sainte-Croix in Poitiers, together with Basina daughter of King Chilperich, against abbess Leubovera[184]. She was excommunicated for involvement in political intrigue, but accepted back at her convent. If Chrotieldis was the daughter of King Charibert, no indication has been found concerning the identity of her mother.]
4. GUNTCHRAMN [Gontran] ([532/34]-28 Mar 592, bur basilique Saint-Marcel, near Chalon-sur-Saône). Gregory of Tours names (in order) Gunthar, Childerich, Charibert, Guntram, Sigibert and a daughter Clothsind as the children of King Clotaire and his wife Ingonde[185]. He succeeded his father in 561 as GONTRAN King of the Franks, his territories covering those previously held by his uncle King Chlodomer, with Orléans as his capital[186]. The Marii Episcopi Aventicensis Chronica records that "filii ipsius Charibertus, Guntegramnus, Hilpericus et Sigibertus" divided the kingdom between them on the death of their father in 561[187]. He adopted his nephew King Childebert II as his successor in 577, the arrangement being renewed under the treaty of Andelot dated 28 Nov 587[188]. Fredegar records the death of King Guntram "anno 33 regni…V Kal Apr" and his burial "in ecclesia sancti Marcelli" in the monastery which he had built[189]. m firstly ([556]) MARCATRUDIS, daughter of MAGNACHAR Duke of the Transjuranian Franks & his wife --- (-after [556]). Gregory of Tours names Marcatrude, daughter of Magnachar, as the wife of King Gontran, specifying that she poisoned her stepson Gundobald but died soon after her own son[190]. m secondly (566) AUSTRECHILDIS [Bobilla], daughter of --- ([548]-Sep 580). Gregory of Tours names Austrechild "also called Bobilla" as the second wife of King Gontran[191]. She was a servant in the household of his first wife's father. Gregory of Tours records the death of Queen Austrechild, specifying that "this wicked woman" requested as a dying wish that the two doctors who had unsuccessfully treated her should have their throats cut[192]. An epitaph to “Austrigildis Reginæ” refers to her as “Regum genetrix et Regia conjunx”[193]. The record of the Council of Valence dated 22 Jun 585 names “Guntramni Regis…bonæ memoriæ iugalis sua Austrechildis regina vel filiæ eorum Deo sacratæ puellæ…bonæ memoriæ Clodeberga vel Clodehildis”[194]. Mistress (1): (before [549]) VENERANDA, daughter of ---. Gregory of Tours names Veneranda, servant of one of his subjects, as the mistress of King Gontran before his first marriage[195]. King Gontran & his first wife had one child:
a) son (-after [556]). Gregory of Tours refers to, but does not name, the son of King Gontran and Queen Marcatrudis, specifying that he died soon after the murder of his half-brother Gundobald[196].
King Gontran & his second wife had four children:
b) CHLOTHACHAR [Clotaire] ([567]-577 or before). Gregory of Tours names (in order) Clotaire and Chlodomer as the two sons of King Gontran & his second wife but refers to him as having been "left childless" in a later passage which records that he adopted his nephew King Childebert II as his heir[197]. The Marii Episcopi Aventicensis Chronica records the death in 577 of "regis atque egregii adolescente Chlothacarius et Chlodomeris filii Gunthegramni regis"[198]. An epitaph is written in honour of “Clotharii fratris Chlodomeri”[199].
c) CHLODOMER (-577 or before). Gregory of Tours names (in order) Lothar and Chlodomer as the two sons of King Gontran & his second wife but refers to him as having been "left childless" in a later passage which records that he adopted his nephew King Childebert II as his heir[200]. The Marii Episcopi Aventicensis Chronica records the death in 577 of "regis atque egregii adolescente Chlothacarius et Chlodomeris filii Gunthegramni regis"[201]. An epitaph is written in honour of “Chlodomeri filii Guntchramni Regis”[202]<