The Emergence of Europe (286-843) Part XIX: The Dukes’ Revolt and the Revolt of the Nuns

2025-07-31

A series of civil wars and repeated invasions by Germanic tribes caused the collapse of the Western Roman Empire. Following the end of imperial authority, several Germanic tribes struggled against each other for control of territory. The Franks became the dominant power in Gaul, but Greater Frankia repeatedly broke apart during wars between rival claimants for the throne. Finally, Charlemagne united the Franks, and greatly expanded the size of the kingdom. However, his grandsons proved unwilling to share the empire, and divided it in 843, laying the foundations for France and Germany. Episode Nineteen explains that several Austrasian dukes plotted to assassinate Childebert, and seize power by ruling through his young sons, but Guntram learned of the plot, and warned Childebert. The dukes were executed, and their supporters were exiled from court. Believing that Fredegund as regent of Neustria was a threat, Childebert and Guntram made a formal alliance between their two kingdoms. Aside from a failed invasion of Hispania, Guntram had to deal with a revolt by nuns led by two former princesses, who had lost a power struggle over control of an influential abbey. When Fredegund died, her son Clothar was too young to rule, so Austrasia and Burgundy forced him to sign over most of his lands.

Cast of Characters:

Guntram-king of Burgundy (561-592), son of Clothar

Chilperic-king of Neustria (561-584), son of Clothar

Fredegund-queen of Neustria (568-584), wife of Chipleric

Brunhild-queen of Austrasia (567-575), wife of Sigibert, daughter of Athangild, king of Hispania

Childebert-son of Sigibert and Brunhild, heir to the throne of Austrasia

Liuvigild-king of Hispania (569-586)

Hermengild-eldest son of Liuvigild

Reccared-younger son of Liuvigild

Basina-nun, daughter of Chilperic and his first wife Audovera

Clotilde-nun, daughter of Charibert

Ursio-duke in Austrasia