Childebert III Adoptivus

FL. 657-662

Frankish kings of Austriasia, 657-662

Childebert is usually reckoned to be the natural son of Grimoald I, the mayor of the palace of King Sigibert III of Austriasia (the region of present-day France around Metz), who adopted him, although another version of the story has the situation reversed.

By the time of Sigibert the Merovingian dynasty was almost powerless, real power having shifted to the hereditary mayors of the palace. When Sigibert died in 657, Grimoald had the rightful heir, Dagobert, sent to Ireland "on pilgrimage," while he installed the boy Childebert as his puppet on the throne. This caused opposition among the nobles, however, which resulted in 662 in Grimoald's murder and Childebert's overthrow and probably his death as well.

References

Biographisch-Bibliographisches Kirchenlexikon. (Herzberg: Verlag Traugott Bautz, 2001). Also available at: http://www.bautz.de/bbkl/
Schreiber, Karl-Heinz. "Childebert III. Der Adoptierte" Available at: http://mitglied.lycos.de/genealogie_franken/karolinger_pippiniden/childebert_der_adoptierte_frankenkoenig_662.html
Ilaender, Christian. "Die Frühen Karolinger, die Ahnen Karls des Grossen." Available at: http://www.uni-paderborn.de/Admin/corona/chris/Karl_2.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
To Further Family or Political Alliances
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