The Merovingians: Recent Episodes
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The episode we talk about the changing world around the Frankish kingdoms. We get our first description of a Slavic state from a Frankish source, and talk about the interesting stories Frankish sources provide about the Lombard court.
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This episode is all about culture. How did cultural products play into the political game in the Frankish kingdoms? How did they affect the upper classes? What kind of works are we even talking about? In a place where politics is so dangerous everything that can be used to increase someone's power or influence will become dangerous as well.
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This episode is all about the aftermath of Chlothar's victory and consolidation of the Frankish kingdoms. There was once again a single Merovingian in charge, and we will explore how he sought to establish his authority and how the elites of the kingdoms reacted to this new reality.
This episode we finally reach the end of Brunhild's story. She's been a major player in Merovingian politics for decades, but here her story ends as we enter a new period of Merovingian history.
This episode will see the final phase of the conflict between the brother kings, Theudebert II of Austrasia and Theuderic II of Burgundy. Only one can be victorious. Who will come out on top? What will be the consequences for the Frankish kingdoms? What will happen to the loser?
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This episode is about a conflict between Queen Brunhild and the popular holy man Columbanus. Perhaps unsurprisingly, this power hungry queen and strict Irish monk didn't get along and they fought to pull King Theuderic in different directions.
In this episode we're going to talk about a failed marriage, jealous queens, angry kings, and an international coalition. Plus some Late Antique ethnicities, just for fun.
This episode focusses on discussions of ethnicity and their reality in the Merovingian period. Using Fredegar's discussion of the Frankish Bertoald and the Roman Protadius we'll look at pre-modern concepts of race and how they were used in Merovingian chronicles.
This episode is about the conflicts between Chlothar II, king of Neustria, Theudebert II, king of Austrasia, and Theuderic II, king of Burgundy. All three were young, ambitious, and desperately wanted to be the one to unite the Frankish realm.
This episode is about Brunhild and her second fall from grace. The conflict between her and the Austrasian court will spark a new period in her life, one that is darker and more controversial.
This episode we dive into Fredegar's work, looking at a few examples from early in his chronicle to compare his style to Gregory's and get a sense of what to expect moving forward.
This episode is all about Brunhild. One of the most controversial figures, in a period with nothing but controversial figures, we'll take a look at her governing style, some of the attacks against her, and some of her worst actions.
This episode, like the title suggests, is about the death of two Merovingian kings. Specifically Guntram and Childebert II, both very significant rulers. We'll discuss the legacy of Guntram and then delve into what Childebert got up to before his own untimely demise.
Special episode this week, as we celebrate ten thousand downloads! This episode I work my way through the Merovingian family tree and share my hot takes on each of the figures, both ones we've already met and those we've yet to meet.
In this episode we discuss the transition from Gregory to Fredegar, as well as some of the controversies and issues with Fredegar's work. Plus we'll meet some of the academics whose work will be important moving forward.
This episode we bid a fond farewell to our friend Gregory, whose histories finally stop around 590-591. We discuss aspects of his life and work and how he would probably like to be remembered. Goodbye Gregory, you've been a fascinating companion.
This episode is all about faith, power and revelations. As Christianity moved through it's rebellious youth phase the church tried to clamp down on and control the fervour of its many fresh converts. The faith was still fairly fresh outside of the urban areas of Gaul, and this led to conflict as the church hierarchy clashed with insurgent religious figures. Were they possessed by the devil? Were they simply misinformed? Or were they just naturally finding their own revelations?
This episode is all about justice, in all its forms from differing perspectives. Justice will come for noble rebels, for Guntram against his enemies in Neustria, and even Fredegund will dip her toe into the waters of justice. It'll be in interesting journey through the restless Frankish nobles and the attempts of Merovingian central authority to keep them in line.
This episode is all about the trial of Egidius, bishop of Rheims. Egidius was one of the last major figures left that had opposed Brunhild and held influence during Childebert's minority. In this episode we'll see how he tries to defend his actions, and how the trial of a prominent bishop is handled by the young king Childebert II.
In this episode we cover a rollercoaster of a military campaign, a concerted effort by our major source to keep tarnishing a queen's reputation and the final end of the revolt of Saint Radegund's Convent of the Holy Cross. Ambition and brutality knows no gender boundaries in the Merovingian period.
This episode is mostly about things going wrong. Diplomacy, war, keeping the peace, the Merovingians prove that they're not necessarily on top of things and their systems are more than a little flawed.
This episode is all about the revolt in the nunnery of Saint Radegund. With the influential queen gone how will her followers handle her complicated and provocatively legacy? Spoiler alert, poorly.
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This week we cover the Conspiracy of Septimima, a curious case of intrigue, propaganda and murky details. We'll discuss the factors and context that muddy the waters around the conspiracy, and ask how much is fact and how much is fiction.
This episode is a collection of three stories that Gregory of Tours tells in his Histories. They cover a broad range of topics like war, domestic politics, religious radicalism, female empowerment and murder. Classic stuff from the Merovingians. Enjoy!
This week its all about tax and the economy, as we discuss the changes from the late Roman Empire into its successor kingdoms in the west. And, of course, Gregory will have some stories to demonstrate the changes through his eyes.
This episode is all about marriage, specifically political marriages in the Merovingian era. The Merovingians had a mixed track record with political marriages, and while they were important tools for diplomacy they also came with risks.
This episode we take a detailed look at the flaws in Merovingian politics that so often led to conflict and violence, and the hard work of the clergy to try calm the constant tension. We've seen Gregory work to prevent violence, but in this episode we discuss the unique circumstances that led to the church being the major diplomatic intermediaries of the period.
In this episode we cover some of the events that have been happening in the realm, continuing many of the themes discussed in recent episodes. Then we move onto the Treaty of Andelot, a fascinating primary source that reveals a lot about Merovingian power politics and diplomacy.
This episode is all about Fredegund and Brunhild, and the vastly different ways their actions in centralizing power into their own hands are treated by Gregory. Plus there's a lot of grisly murders.
This episode we continue our Visigothic theme by discussing Guntram's invasion of Visigothic Septimania. Spoiler alert: it does not go well.
This episode we take a tangent into the Visigothic kingdom as part of our larger exploration of the family of Brunhild and the politics they were involved in. Its the beginning of her rise to political ascendancy, and it has humble but important roots.
This episode we see Guntram, and later the clergy, readjusting to the post-Gundovald political realities. We'll see Guntram continue his charm offensive of moderated tone and a more diplomatic approach, but also see the limits of his new attitude. We'll also see a true masterclass in diplomacy and conflict resolution from the clergy at the Council of Macon.
This episode covers three days of King Guntram's life, as he visits his city of Orléans for the Feast of Saint Martin. While there he deals with rebellious clergy, reveals a bit of his bromance with Gregory and displays openly anti-semitic beliefs. Its a look, in depth, at just three days in the stressful and controversial life of a Merovingian king.
This week we talk about the common folk, or at least as common as possible while still attracting Gregory's attention. That means prophetic wise women, murderous Saxons and feuding local nobility. How does justice function? How do local power structures support themselves and enforce some form of stability on their communities?
In this special episode Connor and I sit down and go through some questions about the Merovingians and the period as a whole. We hope you enjoy the departure from our usual format.
This episode is all about legal reform and how the most recent Merovingians had been changing the way the monarchy worked. We'll discuss important developments and how they paved the way for the later Merovingian period and beyond.
This episode we discuss whether or not Gundovald's rebellion ever had a chance at success, as well as the fate of the conspirators who had just betrayed him. We will also briefly address the political settlement in the aftermath of the rebellion and what it reveals about the next era of Merovingian politics.
This week, as the title suggests, we'll be talking about the fall of the usurper king Gundovald. We will also discuss the meeting between the estranged kings Childebert II and Guntram.
This episode covers the lead up to the confrontation between Guntram and Gundovald. We'll observe them both tie up some loose ends and ready themselves, and we'll discuss the other players in this game.
This episode is about Queen Fredegund and King Guntram's attempts to her and the political situation in Neustria. Unfortunately for him she would prove hard to dislodge from her position and ruthless in her determination.
This episode is all about those trying to sow discord or strife to weaken King Guntram and his stranglehold on Merovingian power. We'll talk about the conflicts and suffering in Central Gaul as different groups try to instill loyalty, and we'll talk about the failure of diplomacy.
This week we take a look at the problems facing Guntram, the new dominant king in the Merovingian kingdoms. Paranoia of assassination, scheming nobles and the return of the pretender Gundovald all make an appearance, alongside a discussion of Merovingian political legitimacy in the period.
This episode is an in depth look at the aftermath of King Chilperic's assassination. We'll see who benefits the most, will it be the young, ambitious Childebert II or the old King Guntram? On top of this we'll examine the actions of Fredegund and her attempt to survive the transition of power. Newborn son in hand will she protect him, herself, and her position in court?
This episode is all about the last days of King Chilperic. One of the most important and best documented Merovingian kings, his life and reign spanned the transition between the early and middle Merovingian periods. Always ambitious, always controversial, highly consequential, this is how he meets his end.
This week we cover a range of topics. We take a look at the interwoven politics of Visigothic Spain and the Frankish kingdoms, we discuss the early campaigns of Childebert II, as well as covering some more of Fredegund's unique brand of politics.
This week we clean up the mess the kings left last week. Three kings, no victors, we cover the peace agreements between the kings and the situations they found themselves in. We also take time to cover the unfortunate end of Leudast, former count of Tours.
This week is all about the aftermath of the return of Gundovald and the immediate civil war that broke out. Not between the three existing kings and Gundovald, oh no. As the title suggests, one usurper arriving on the shore of Gaul is enough to send the tense but stable political situation in Gaul into full on civil war between the three kings.
Exactly how is the conflict between Guntram and Chilperic going? This week we catch up with the two senior Merovingians and see how their war has devolved to a smoldering series of minor actions. Are they still in control of this conflict? And what are they hoping to get out of it?
This week is all about Gundovald, the usurper king. We're going to discuss his origins, revealing the power of Merovingian heritage, and yet another way Merovingian princes could serve as political pawns. Then we'll discuss his time in exile and see how the Eastern Roman empire used exiled royals as political bargaining chips to control the other successor states.
This week is all about gaining and holding the most important asset, land. With a look at Merovingian inheritance we'll begin to understand some of the complexity of Merovingian society as well as gain some context for some events that we've already discussed.
This week is all about religion, specifically how the practice and purview of the bishops was changing through the middle Merovingian period. We'll also discuss the position of Jewish people and other religious minorities in the surprisingly diverse Merovingian state.
This week we discuss how warfare was changing in the middle Merovingian period. How did the Merovingian kings go from fearsome conquerors to endless stalemates? What changed? Well, we'll examine these changes point by point.
This week is all about nobles. Returning to our discussion of the rising power of the nobles in the kingdoms, we'll look at three examples to try and determine how the nobles' campaign for more influence is going. On the way we'll check in with our old friend Brunhild as well, and see how she's doing in the hostile court of Childebert II.
This episode we take a closer look at Merovingian diplomacy. How were agreements reached? Who took control of negotiations? What form did the discussions take? We'll discuss these questions and reveal one of the most important roles bishops played in the realm.
This episode is all about the events of the Trial of Bishop Gregory of Tours. It was certainly a dramatic trial with unexpected twists and major consequences. Things might not happen the way you expect.
How does one go about condemning one of the kingdom's most influential religious figures? This week we examine the myriad of traps and plots Leudast, with the help of his royal backers, used to push Gregory into a trial. Everyone's favourite bishop is in danger, but can the count make his accusations stick?
This week it's all about the brewing conflict between Gregory and the Count of Tours, Leudast. Old aristocracy versus new nobility, Church versus state, soft power versus harsh tactics. As we get ready to see our narrator on trial next week, let's learn about the man who would put him there.
This episode, as the title suggests, we cover the abrupt rise and fall of Clovis, last son of King Chilperic. What happens when a young, arrogant prince runs afoul of his powerful stepmother? Unfortunately, nothing good.
This week we take a look at the harder but human side of history with natural disaster disease and personal loss hitting the Merovingian kingdoms. Were these punishments sent by god? How do the figures we've been discussing react?
This episode we talk a little about taxes, as unpopular then as they are now, and a lot about what makes an effective ruler. Were Chilperic and the rulers like him throughout history unfairly slandered by a hostile nobility?
Evil bishops, warring nobles, and an attempt at restarting Frankish expansion. This week things may have reached a stalemate between Guntram and Chilperic, but everyone else will keep on breeding instability. Things are no more peaceful, despite the pause in the civil wars.
As Chilperic has been dealing with his rebellions, things have been changing in the wider realm. This week we go through some of the stories, from the local to the national level, and see how these changes have occurred.
This week we finish up the last of our series of deep dives into those who opposed Chilperic immediately after the death of Sigibert. The Trial of Praetextatus, Bishop of Rouen, will finish us off on a dramatic note, and also one full of insight into the changing face of power and politics in the Merovingian realm.
This week we begin examining the life of Guntram Boso, a noble who was trying to balance himself between the interests of the different major players in Merovingian politics. Will he thrive in the chaos? Or will he overstep and run afoul of the powerful?
To celebrate our twentieth episode this week we are covering some topics that have slipped through the cracks or we've been too busy to dwell on. From weird names to Merovingian hair, we'll fill in some blanks.
This week is all about Merovech, second son of Chilperic, and his struggles against his father. Continuing the cycle of Merovingian familial violence, this conflict between father and son will cost many lives, cause much heartbreak and cause a city to be looted too many times.
This week we deal with the aftermath of Sigibert's untimely death. What will happen to his wife? His son? And how will Chilperic seize the chance he has been handed? These questions will find some answers, and we'll also hear our chronicler Gregory's opinion on the ongoing civil wars.
The time for the final showdown has come and with the realm spiraling into chaos one of the rival kings has to come out on top
Now that we know about the external threats to the realm, let's examine what is going on on the local and internal levels. Just how deep into the spiral of chaos are the Frankish kings? Too deep for another series of civil wars?
There is a dual focus this episode. First we examine what we learnt about Gregory last week, seeing how he uses contrast to try and teach his audience good morals. Then we go back and look at what has been happening in the rest of Europe while we've been focused on the Franks.
This week we take an in depth look at Gregory of Tours. Who was he? What was his life like? How did he write? We'll answer these questions and more as we seek to understand a man historians have been fascinated by for centuries.
Murder, greed and lust. These are the ingredients that spark the blood feud between the queens Fredegund and Brunhild. This week we'll meet them properly and learn about the tragic events that led to this conflict that would last generations and cause so many deaths. Before that, though, we'll discuss some difficult topics we've been avoiding.
The four new kings are here and settling into their seats. But what will they be like? We'll find out this week as we examine the early scandals from the courts of Charibert and Guntram, as well as the continuing conflicts between Sigibert and Chilperic. The realm may be changing, but Merovingians will be Merovingians.
This week we dive into the first civil war between the sons of Ingund and Aregund, after the death of their father King Chlothar. We will examine the changes that have occurred in the Frankish realm since the conquest of Clovis and determine how these changes helped the sons of Ingund win the war and establish themselves firmly in the old seats of their uncles.
How is Chlothar rewarded for reuniting his father's kingdom? Peace and prosperity for his last few years? This week we meet the wives and sons of Chlothar and dive into the matrilineal bonds that bind them as they face the looming prospect of all out civil war.
This episode we take a break from the wars and plots of the Merovingian kings and instead focus on two of the most significant Merovingian queens. How much can Clothild and Radegund teach us about how queens could amass and use power in the period?
This week we deal with the last years of the sons of Clovis. They've conquered, schemed, murdered and waited impatiently for their chance to unite the realm. Which of them will succeed? Let's find out.
This episode dives into the difficult and sometimes murderous relationship between the sons of Clovis. Between the constant backstabbing, plots, rebellions and precarious alliances, the kings of the Franks were constantly looking for weakness. They would not yet find it in each other, but there were other kingdoms and helpless princes to pick on for the moment.
This episode we meet the four new Merovingian kings, the sons of Clovis, Theuderic, Chlodomer, Childebert, and Chlothar. We discuss the succession and how the realm came to be split between them, then look at the two major Frankish conquests of this period, the Thuringians and the Burgundians. Will the sons be better or worse than their father?
This week we look at the other, nastier side of Clovis. His brutality, his manipulations, lies, and his insatiable lust for power and wealth. Is he really the great, noble king he is so often presented as?
This week we go through the official narrative about Clovis, the first major king of the Merovingian dynasty. We'll track Clovis as he expands the Frankish realm from a minor power in the north to dominating Gaul and beating back his two great rivals, the Burgundians and the Visigoths.
This week we explore those that stood in the way of the Frankish domination of Gaul. The Burgundians to the east and the Visigoths to the south are the main rivals but other groups, including the Gallo-Romans are discussed here.
Who are the Merovingians and where did they come from? This episode takes a look at the origins of the dynasty and their people, the Franks.
An introduction to the Merovingian Dynasty, beginning with a brief look at the fall of the Roman Empire in the west, setting the stage for one of the most turbulent eras in European history.