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Childebert I

Character

King of Paris (511–558 AD)

Historical Accuracy

Gregory of Tours is the principal source for his reign; his co-responsibility (with his brother Chlothar I) for the murder of Chlodomer's young sons in 524 is a documented, brutal episode of Merovingian royal fratricide that the source material treats candidly rather than sympathetically. His death without a surviving son in 558, passing his kingdom to Chlothar I, is well attested and reflects the ongoing consolidation-and-partition cycle running through this generation of Merovingian kings.

Historical Significance

Sources: - Gregory of Tours. Modern: Ian Wood.

Childebert I's reign as king of Paris, including his participation with his brothers in the conquest of Burgundy (534) and his own campaign into Visigothic Spain (531), exemplifies the pattern of joint military campaigning and rivalry among Clovis I's sons that defined Merovingian politics in the generation following the 511 partition of Francia.

Historical Era

511-558 AD

Book I, Book II

Timeline: - 511 receives Paris; 524 co-responsible for nephews' murder; 531 Spain campaign; 534 Burgundy conquest; 558 dies. Witch's Rebirth Canon: - On the throne of Paris when Book II opens (540 AD) and for 18 years after.

511-558 AD

Birth: - c. 496 AD. Death: - 558 AD, Paris, without a surviving son; kingdom passed to Chlothar I. Parents: - Father: Clovis I. Mother: Clotilde. Battles: - Visigothic Campaign (Spain): 531 AD; Final Burgundian Conquest: 534 AD, joint with Chlothar I.

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