Merovingian Dynasty

The Merovingians (also Merovings) were a Salian Frankish dynasty that came to rule the Franks in a region (known as Francia in Latin) largely corresponding to ancient Gaul from the middle of the 5th century. Their politics involved frequent civil warfare among branches of the family. During the final century of the Merovingian rule, the dynasty was increasingly pushed into a ceremonial role. The Merovingian rule was ended March 752 when Pope Zachary formally deposed Childeric III.[1][2] Zachary's successor, Pope Stephen II, re-confirmed and crowned Pepin the Short in Childeric's place in 754 beginning the Carolingian monarchy and early introduction of the Holy Roman Empire.

They were sometimes referred to as the "long-haired kings" (Latin reges criniti) by contemporaries, for their symbolically unshorn hair (traditionally the tribal leader of the Franks wore his hair long, as distinct from the Romans and the tonsured clergy). The term "Merovingian" comes from medieval Latin Merovingi or Merohingi ("sons of Merovech"), an alteration of an unattested Old West Low Franconian form, akin to their dynasty's Old English name Merewīowing,[3] with the final -ing being a typical patronymic suffix.

Merovingian saints of more than local cult

Kings

• Guntram, king of Burgundy (region)|Burgundy (died 592);
• Sigebert III, king of Austrasia (died ca. 656);
• Dagobert II, king of Austrasia, son of the former (died 679)

Queens and abbesses

• Genevieve|Genovefa, virgin of Paris (died 502)
• Clothilde, queen of the Franks (died 544/45)
• Monegund, widow and recluse of Tours (died 544)
• Radegund, Thuringian princess who founded a monastery at Poitiers (died 587)
• Rusticula, abbess of Arles (died 632)
• Cesaria II, abbess of St Jean of Arles (died ca 550)
• Glodesind, abbess in Metz (died ca 600)
• Burgundofara, abbess of Faremoutiers Abbey|Moutiers (died 645)
• Sadalberga, abbess of Laon (died 670)
• Rictrude, founding abbess of Marchiennes (died 688)
• Itta, founding abbess of Nivelles (died 652)
• Begga, abbess of Andenne (died 693)
• Gertrude of Nivelles, abbess of Nivelles (died 658) presented in The Life of St. Geretrude (in Fouracre and Gerberding 1996)
• Aldegonde, abbess of Maubeuge Abbey|Mauberges (died ca 684)
• Waltrude, abbess of Mons (died ca 688)
• Balthild, queen of the Franks (died ca 680), presented in The Life of Lady Bathild, Queen of the Franks (in Fouracre and Gerberding 1996)
• Eustadiola, widow of Bourges (died 684)
• Bertilla, abbess of Chelles Abbey|Chelles (died ca. 700)
• Anstrude, abbess of Laon (died before 709)
• Austreberta, abbess of Pavilly (died 703)

Bishops and abbots

• Amandus (c. 584 – 675), one of the great Christian Saints of Flanders.
• Arnulf of Metz|Arnulf, Bishop of Metz
• Ouen|Audouin of Rouen, presented in The Life of Audoin, Bishop of Rouen (in Fouracre and Gerberding 1996);
• Aunemond, presented in The Deeds of Aunemond (in Fouracre and Gerberding 1996);
• Saint Eligius|Eligius (c. 588 – 660) chief counsellor to Dagobert I and bishop of Noyon-Tournai
• Gregory of Tours, Bishop of Tours and historian;
• Hubertus, Apostle of the Ardennes and first Bishop of Liège.
• Lambert of Maastricht|Lambert (c. 636 – c. 700), bishop of Maastricht (Tongeren)
• Leodegar, Bishop of Autun; presented in The Suffering of Ludegar (in Fouracre and Gerberding 1996);
• Praejectus The Suffering of Praejectus (in Fouracre and Gerberding 1996);
• Prætextatus (6th century)|Prætextatus, Bishop of Rouen and friend of Gregory;
• Saint Remigius|Remigius, Bishop of Reims who baptized Clovis I

Merovingian kings

• 447 - 458: Merovech
• 458 - 482: Childerik I
• 482 - 511: Chlodovech I
• 511 - 558: Childebert I
• 558 - 562: Chlotar I
• 562 - 566: Charibert
• 562 - 575: Sigebert I
• 566 - 584: Chilperik I
• 584 - 628: Chlothar II
• 628 - 637: Dagobert I
• 637 - 655: Clovis II
• 655 - 668: Chlothar III
• 668 - 674: Childerik II
• 674 - 678: Dagobert II
• 674 - 691: Theuderik III
• 691 - 695: Clovis III
• 695 - 711: Childebert II
• 711 - 716: Dagobert III
• 716 - 721: Chilperik II
• 721 - 737: Theuderik IV
• 743 - 751: Childerik III

KINGS of the FRANKS [451/57]-751 (MEROVINGIANS) DESCENT LINE ON CAWLEY'S MEDLANDS

MEROVECH (-[451/57]). It is not known whether Merovech, after whom the dynasty was named, 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 found which suggests that there was a sub-level of Frankish administration under the Roman emperor, despite the fact that imperial authority was in decline during the later years.] MEDLANDS

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 Alamans[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]. MEDLANDS
m ([464]%29 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 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.MEDLANDS 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. 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 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]. 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]. MEDLANDS
[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 Theoderich’s mother was a Frank from the Rhine region, based on the inheritance of Austrasia by Theoderich and the roots "Theode-" and "-rich" in his name, possibly transmitted through his mother from Theodemer and Richomer who were both 4th century Frankish kings. MEDLANDS 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, the daughter of the Burgundian king, could not have been Theodebert’s mother, considering her estimated birth date. The king must therefore have been married earlier, or at least have had an earlier concubine, although no information has been found about this first partner in any of the primary sources consulted. Europäische Stammtafeln states that the king’s first wife was named "Suavegotta (died by 566)"[63]. Presumably this is based on Flodoard’s history of Reims, quoted below under the king’s second wife. If this is correct, the king must have repudiated his first wife before marrying the Burgundian king’s daughter. However, no indication has been found in any source about such a repudiation. It is more natural to assume that, if Suavegotha was indeed the name of one of Theoderich’s wives (which in itself cannot be proved conclusively as discussed further below), she was his second wife. m secondly ([507/16]%29 SUAVEGOTHA? of Burgundy, daughter of SIGISMOND King of Burgundy & his first wife Ostrogotha of the Ostrogoths (495 or later-[after 549]). Gregory of Tours records that Theoderich King of the Franks married the daughter of Sigismond but does not name her[64]. Gregory does not name the mother of King Theoderich’s wife, but chronologically it is more probable that she was born from King Sigismond's first marriage, which is also suggested by the root "-gotha" in her first name. Her name is suggested by Flodoard’s history of the church of Reims, dated to the mid-10th century. This source records that "Suavegotta regina" bequeathed one third of "ville Virisiaci" by testament to the church of Reims during the bishopric of Bishop Mapinius, subject to the life interest of "Teudichildi prefate regine filie", adding that the latter later confirmed the donation during the bishopric of Bishop Egidius[65]. The identification of "Suavegotha regina" as King Theoderich’s wife depends on the identification of "Teudchildi" as their daughter which, as explained in more detail below, is uncertain. The link cannot therefore definitively be made between "Suavegotha" and the daughter of Sigismond King of Burgundy. Nevertheless, the chronology for such a link is favourable, as the editor of the Monumenta Germaniæ Scriptores edition of Flodoard dates Mapinius’s bishopric to "ca 549-573" and Egidius’s to "ca 573-590"[66]. MEDLANDS
King Theoderich & his first [wife/concubine] 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[67]. His birth date range is narrowed more precisely to [499/504] on the assumption that he was a young adolescent when he led the Frankish campaign against the Danes, dated to 515: Gregory of Tours records that his father sent him "with a powerful army" to repel the Danish invasion led by Chlochilaich[68]. The Liber Historiæ Francorum records that "Theudericus et Theudobertus filius eius et Chlotharius rex" invaded Thuringia and attacked "Ermenfredum regem Toringorum"[69]. 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[70]. 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[71]. Theodebert subjugated Pannonia and threatened to attack Byzantium across the Danube. He was killed while hunting[72]. Gregory of Tours records that he died in the fourteenth year of his reign, and 37 years after the death of his paternal grandfather[73]. The Marii Episcopi Aventicensis Chronica records the death in 548 of "Theudebertus rex magnus Francorum"[74]. 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[75]. 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[76]. m secondly (betrothed before 533, 540) WISIGARDIS, daughter of WACHO 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[77]. 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"[78]. m thirdly ([542/47]%29 -. Gregory of Tours records that Theodebert "married another woman" after his second wife died but gives no details[79]. MEDLANDS 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[80]. In a later passage, he records that this daughter 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"[81]. MEDLANDS
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[82]. He succeeded his father in 547 as THEODEBALD I King of the Franks at Reims, "sous la régence de sa tante Theodechildis"[83]. Settipani does not provide the source reference on which he bases this last statement. On Theodebald’s 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[84]. The Marii Episcopi Aventicensis Chronica records the death in 555 of "Theudebaldus rex Francorum"[85]. m ([554]%29 as her first husband, WALDRADA, daughter of WACHO King of the Lombards & his second wife Ostrogotha 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"[86]. The Historia Langobardorum names "Waldrada" as Wacho's second daughter by his second wife, specifying that she married "Chusubald rex Francorum"[87]. Paulus Diaconus names "Wisigarda…[et] secunda Walderada" as the two daughters of King Wacho and his second wife, specifying that Waldrada married "Cusupald alio regi Francorum" and later "Garipald"[88]. Gregory of Tours names "Vuldetrada" as the wife of King Theodebald[89]. Herimannus names "Wanderadam" wife of "Theodpaldus rex Francorum" when recording her second marriage to "Lotharius rex patris eius Theodeberti patruus"[90]. 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"[91], 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. MEDLANDS

King Theodebert & his [first/second/third] wife had one child:

iii) BERTHOARA (-after 566). The Carmina of Fortunat name "Berthoara…filie digna patri, te, Theudebercthe" when recording that she encouraged the building of the baptistry of the church of Mainz[92]. She is not mentioned by Gregory of Tours, and it is not known who was her mother. MEDLANDS

King Theoderich & his second wife had one child:

b) THEODECHILDIS [Techilde]? ([516/20]-[570/595]). Procopius records that "Varnis…Hermegisclus” married "Theodeberti Francorum regis sororem" after the death of his first wife, that she gave birth to "Radiger", for whom his father requested marriage with "puellæ…natione Brittiæ, cuius frater tunc temporis Rex Anglorum erat", and that Radiger later married his own stepmother after his father died[93]. It is possible that the name of this daughter was Theodechildis but, as will be explained, the link is tentative. Three different primary sources name a Queen Theodechildis. Fortunatus, dated to the late 6th century, wrote an epitaph to “Theodechildis Reginæ”, commenting that "frater, genitor, conjux, avus, atque priores" of his eponymous subject were "regius ordo"[94]. Gregory of Tours, in one of his lesser-known works, records the return of "Nunninus…tribunus" from Auvergne and his entry in Auxerre "tempore…Theudechildæ reginæ" after giving tribute which he had collected "de Francia" to the same queen[95]. Flodoard, in his mid-9th century history of the church of Reims, names "Teudechildi, prefatæ reginæ [=Suavegotta regina] filiæ" when recording that her mother allowed her daughter the usufruct of property which she donated to the church of Reims, and later that Theodechildis made her own testamentary donation of the same property to Reims[96]. It is probable that these three sources all refer to the same person: the only reference to another person named "Theodechildis" in the mid- to late-6th century relates to the concubine of King Charibert, who was a shepherd’s daughter (see below). However, none of the sources specifies that Queen Theodechildis was the daughter of King Theoderich. In addition, there is no source which confirms that "Suavegotha" was the name of Theoderich’s wife, as discussed more fully above. There are three indications that Queen Theodechildis may have been King Theoderich’s daughter, and if so that she may also have been the same daughter who married the two kings of the Warnes. Firstly, Fortunatus and Gregory accord the title "regina" to her, which provides the possible link to the Procopius text concerning the king’s daughter. This is particularly relevant as so few individuals were described in contemporary sources as "queen" and therefore the number of alternative possible co-identities is restricted. Secondly, the common use of the root "Theode-" in the first part of the two names suggests a close relationship. Thirdly, the chronology is favourable. Little help is provided by the history written by Gregory of Tours, the most thorough contemporary source for early Merovingian history, which does not refer to any daughter of King Theoderich I. The reference to Auxerre in Gregory’s other work suggests a connection with Burgundy, which was ruled by King Gontran at the time (see below). Assuming that the co-identity between Theodechildis and the daughter of King Theoderich is correct, it is possible that she retired to Burgundy after being repudiated by her second husband. One remaining possible thread to trace further is indicated by Settipani, who states that her nephew King Theodebald succeeded as king in 547 "sous la régence de sa tante Theodechildis"[97]. However, the author does not provide the source reference on which he bases this statement. There is no way therefore at present to verify whether the primary source in question includes the crucial link between the phrase "sa tante" and the name "Theodechildis". [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[98]. The editor of the Monumenta Germaniæ Scriptores series assumes that this charter refers to the daughter of King Theoderich[99], but if this is correct the document must be misdated. 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[100].] m firstly ([540]%29 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 -. . MEDLANDS

m [secondly] (492) CHROTECHILDIS [Clotilde/Rotilde[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 second wife had [six] children:MEDLANDS & http://fmg.ac/Projects/MedLands/BURGUNDY%20KINGS.htm#ChrotechildisO...

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[101]. MEDLANDS
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[102]. "Theodorico, Chlomiro, Hildeberto, Hlodario" are named (in order) as sons of "Chlodoveus" in the Regum Merowingorum Genealogia[103]. 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 Sigismond King of Burgundy in his first invasion, but was defeated and killed by Sigismond's brother Gondemar during a second invasion[104]. 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[105]. 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[106]. The Liber Historiæ Francorum records that "Chlotharius" married "uxorem fratris sui…Gundeucam"[107]. Settipani suggests, for onomastic reasons only, that she may have belonged to the Burgundian royal family which, if correct, means that she may have been the daughter of either King Gondebaud or his brother Godogisel[108]. However, Gregory makes no mention of this in his lengthy description of King Chlodomer's campaigns in Burgundy, an omission which is surprising if the king’s wife was related to his opponents. She married secondly ([524]%29 as his first wife, Clotaire I [Chlothachar/Lothar] King of the Franks. King Chlodomer & his wife had three children: MEDLANDS

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[109]. The Liber Historiæ Francorum records that "filios…Chlodomire orfanos Theudovaldo, Gunthario et Chlodoaldo" were brought up by "Chrodchildis regina" after their father was killed[110]. 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[111]. MEDLANDS
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[112]. The Liber Historiæ Francorum records that "filios…Chlodomire orfanos Theudovaldo, Gunthario et Chlodoaldo" were brought up by "Chrodchildis regina" after their father was killed[113]. 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[114]. MEDLANDS
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[115]. The Liber Historiæ Francorum records that "filios…Chlodomire orfanos Theudovaldo, Gunthario et Chlodoaldo" were brought up by "Chrodchildis regina" after their father was killed[116]. In a later passage, Gregory records that Chlodovald escaped the fate of his brothers and entered a religious life[117]. 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[118]. He was canonised as St Cloud, feast day 7 Sep[119]. MEDLANDS

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[120]. "Theodorico, Chlomiro, Hildeberto, Hlodario" are named (in order) as sons of "Chlodoveus" in the Regum Merowingorum Genealogia[121]. 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[122], which marked the end of the Visigothic government 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[123]. Gregory of Tours records that the childless King Childebert adopted his nephew Theodebert as his heir after the death of the latter's father[124]. 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[125]. The Marii Episcopi Aventicensis Chronica records the death in 558 of "Childebertus rex Francorum"[126]. 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[127]. MEDLANDS 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[128]. 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[129]. MEDLANDS
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[130]. 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[131]. MEDLANDS

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[132]. He succeeded his father in 511 as CLOTAIRE I King of the Franks, at Soissons. MEDLANDS

- see below on MEDLANDS

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[133]. As noted above, the editor of the Monumenta Germaniæ Scriptores series assumes that this charter refers to the daughter of King Theoderich[134]. 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[135]. She founded the monastery of Mauriac in Auvergne[136]. m ---, king.] MEDLANDS
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"[137]. Procopius records that “rex…Visigotthorum Amalaricus” married "Regis Theodeberti sororem"[138]. 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[139]. m (511) AMALRIC King of the Visigoths, son of ALARIC II King of the Visigoths & his wife Theodegotha of the Ostrogoths (502-murdered 531). MEDLANDS
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[140]. This is the only reference so far found 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 --.] MEDLANDS [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[141]. A list of bishops of Metz records "Aigulfus" as 26th bishop, holding the position for 20 years, and his death "X Kal Dec"[142].] MEDLANDS
b) [daughter . m -.] MEDLANDS [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[143]. 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[144].] MEDLANDS

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]. MEDLANDS
c) AUDOFLEDIS . 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]%29 THEODORIC King of the Ostrogoths in Italy, illegitimate son of THEODEMIR King of the Ostrogoths in Pannonia & his concubine Ereleuva -- ([454]-30 Aug 526). MEDLANDS
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]. MEDLANDS

http://fmg.ac/Projects/MedLands/MEROVINGIANS.htm#ClovisIB

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].

http://fmg.ac/Projects/MedLands/MEROVINGIANS.htm#ClovisIB
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THE PROBLEM OF CHILDERICH III (-after 752)

The precise parentage of King Childerich III is unknown, although the sources quoted below indicate an imprecise relationship with his predecessor. Settipani discusses the different theories regarding his parentage[511], but there appears to be no basis for deciding which of them may be correct. In the late 19th century, Levillain, after noting various theories maintaining that he was the son of either Theoderich IV or Chilpéric II, supported Doinel’s hypothesis which suggested that Clotaire IV was his father[512]. Doinel’s theory is based on the spurious charter dated 15 Mar [749], quoted below, in which King Dagobert III was named “sobrinus” of Childerich III. He suggests that the term “désigne un cousin issu de germain”, equating it with “consobrinus”[513]. Doinel hypothesises therefore that Childerich III was the son of a brother of Dagobert’s father. He then suggests that the following document indicates that Childebert III, father of Dagobert III, had a brother named Chlothachar/Clotaire: "Childeberthus rex Francorum" confirmed rights to receipts from annual markets at Saint-Denis to "Mamacas", referring to previous grants by “a longo tempore Chlodovius quondam avus noster, seu et posthia avunculus noster Childericus, vel domnus noster et genetur noster Theudericus, eciam et germanus noster Chlodocharius, per eorum precepcionis”, by charter dated 13 Dec 710[514]. Doinel concludes that the last-named “germanus noster Chlodocharius” could not indicate the known brother of Childebert III, King Clovis III (“l’on en a conclu, très arbitrairement d’ailleurs, que ce Chlotaker et Chlodewig III ne faisaient qu’un même personnage”) and that he was therefore an otherwise unrecorded brother of Childebert III whom he identifies as the later King Clotaire IV (who would then have been Childerich III’s father)[515]. The theory is flawed:

Firstly, the 13 Dec 710 document clearly lists Childebert III’s predecessors not his successors: primary sources (of which more survive for the late 7th than the mid-8th century) establish Clovis III as Childebert’s immediate predecessor, the name difference presumably being explained by a mistranscription or simple error in the original manuscript (like “Chilperichus” for “Childerichus” in the 15 Mar [749] document).

Secondly, the parentage of Clotaire IV is in any case uncertain as explained above.

Thirdly, the term “sobrinus” would normally indicate a relationship between generations, either nephew or son of a first cousin.

Fourthly, the existence of other unrecorded members of the Merovingian royal family cannot be excluded and is even likely.

The inevitable conclusion is that Childerich III’s parentage remains unknown.

1. CHILDERICH (-after 752). The Gesta Abbatum Fontanellensium names "Theoderici regis, patris Hilderici…regis novissimi ex genere Merovingorum"[516], another in a later passage naming him more generally "Hildericus rex, Merovingorum ex genere ortus…"[517]. "Childerichus rex Francorum" names "parens noster Theudericus quondam rex" in his charter dated 23 Apr 743[518], the use of the word "parens" suggesting a remote relationship, assuming that the charter refers to King Theoderich IV. He was installed as CHILDERICH III King of the Franks [16 Feb/3 Mar] 743 by Pépin "le Bref" [Carolingian], after the interregnum which followed the death of King Theoderich IV. "Childerichus rex Francorum" with "Karolomanno maiori domus, rectori palatio nostro" confirmed donations to the monastery of Stablo and Malmedy by charter dated Jul 744[519]. In a charter dated 15 Mar [749], marked spurious in the MGH collection of Merovingian charters, "Chilperichus [=Childerichus] rex Francorum" confirmed privileges granted earlier by "sobrinus noster Dagobertus quondam rex" [Dagobert III] to the bishop of Le Mans[520]. The Royal Frankish Annals record that he was deposed [22 Dec 751/23 Jan 752], tonsured and sent to the monastery of Sithiu[521]. The Chronicon Sancti Medardi Suessionensis records that “Hildricus” was deposed in 750 and tonsured “in Monasterio beati Medardi Suessionensis”[522]. m ---. The name of Childerich's wife is not known. King Childerich III & his wife had one child:

a) THEODERICH. The Gesta Abbatum Fontanellensium records that "Hildericus rex, Merovingorum ex genere ortus…cuius filius…Theodericus" was placed in the monastery in 753[523]. http://fmg.ac/Projects/MedLands/MEROVINGIANS.htm#ChildericIIdied675

Links to Other Projects

• The Merovingian dynasty intermarried with Gallo-Roman Families
• The successor of the Merovingian Dynasty was the Carolingian Dynasty