Chilperic I

Q: Who was Chilperic I?

King Chilperic I (r. 561-584) was the ruler of the Frankish kingdom of Neustria. He is remembered for the murder of his wife Galswinth, which sparked a civil war between Chilperic and his brother Sigebert I. Chilperic won the war but was assassinated in 584.

Q: Who was Chilperic I's wife?

Chilperic I's first wife was Audroveda, who he set aside in order to marry Galswinth, a Visigoth princess. Chilperic and Galswinth soon had a falling out, and Chilperic murdered her in order to marry Fredegund, who was his third and most famous wife.

Q: How did Chilperic I die?

Chilperic I was assassinated during a hunting expedition in late September or October 584.

Q: What did Chilperic I do?

Aside from the civil wars against his brothers, Chilperic I composed several books of poetry, introduced four letters into the alphabet, and involved himself in theological matters. He taxed his cities heavily and viewed the wealth of his bishops as a threat, earning him the disdain of bishop Gregory of Tours.

Harrison W. Mark

Chilperic I

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Definition

Chilperic I (r. 561-584) was a king of the Merovingian Dynasty, who ruled over the Frankish kingdom of Neustria. During his reign, Chilperic was often occupied with civil wars against his brothers and intrigues by his own sons, conflicts that were fueled by the rivalry between Chilperic's wife, Queen Fredegund, and her opposite number Brunhilda of Austrasia.

More about: Chilperic I

Timeline

561 - 584
Reign of King Chilperic I, ruler of the Frankish kingdom of Neustria.

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