571-595

Frankish king of Metz, 575?-595

Childebert was the son of King Sigibert I and Brunhilde. In the chaos of sixth-century France, Sigibert and his brothers, Gontran (Guntram), king of Burgundy, and Chilpéric, king of Soissons were often at war against each other, making temporary alliances of convenience of two against the third. Sigibert was assassinated in 575 or 576 and succeeded by his young son, with his mother as regent.

His uncle Gontran adopted him in 577, to form an alliance against Chilpéric, but in 581 Chilpéric also adopted Childebert. Gontran ceded lands to Childebert and thus overturned Chilpéric's move. But when Chilpéric died in 584, to be succeeded by his baby son Clotaire II, Gontran attacked his adoptive son, but only succeeded in taking part of his kingdom.

At a peace conference in 587 the leaders settled their differences. In 592 Gontran died, and Childebert II took the throne of Burgundy and immediately made war against his cousin, Clotaire, but was defeated in 593. When Childebert died in 595 his kingdom was divided between his two sons, Théodebert II and Thierry II.

References

National Politics Webguide. "Childebert II." Available at: http://lego70.tripod.com/frank/childebert2.htm
Shetler, Joe. "Guntram, King of Burgundy." Available at: http://www.ghg.net/shetler/oldimp/084.html

Indexes

European
France
1st to 10th Centuries Ce
Rulers, Nobles, Chiefs, Presidents, Prime Ministers
Murdered, Assassinated
Figures Whose Adoption or Fostering Is Fictitious, Disputed or Unconfirmed
Pre-school Years
To Further Family or Political Alliances
Uncles and Aunts, Parents' Uncles and Aunts
Priest, Religious, Teacher, Coach, Mentor, Patron, Apprentice Master or Owner
Wealthy, Famous, Noble or Divine Adoptive or Foster Families
Adoptees/Fosterees from Wealthy, Famous, Noble or Divine Birth Families
Unmarried Mother
Parents Married (or Partnered) to Each Other