20 Facts About Chlothar II

Chlothar II, sometimes called "the Young", was king of the Franks, ruling Neustria, Burgundy and Austrasia.

Chlothar II took power upon the death of his mother in 597; though rich, his realm was one of the smallest portions of Francia.

Chlothar II continued his mother's feud with Queen Brunhilda with equal viciousness and bloodshed, finally achieving her execution by dismemberment in 613, after winning the battle that enabled Chlothar to unite Francia under his rule.

Chlothar II's reign was long by contemporary standards, but saw the continuing erosion of royal power to the French nobility and the church against a backdrop of feuding among the Merovingians.

Chlothar II was forced to cede rule over Austrasia to his young son Dagobert I in 623.

Chlothar II was generally an ally of the church and, perhaps inspired by the example of his uncle Guntram, his reign seems to lack outrageous acts of murder, the execution of Brunhilda excepted.

Chlothar II was raised in secret in the royal villa in Vitry-en-Artois to avoid detection.

Chlothar II took her son to Vitry and sent a message to Guntram, King of Burgundy, asking him to adopt the child and offer his protection to him in return for exercising his authority over Neustria until the boy came of age.

Chlothar II publicly cursed and denounced her before dying soon after.

Chlothar II was reinstalled into power despite Guntram's exile of her.

Chlothar II's realm was then split between his two sons: Theudebert II inherited Austrasia, while Theuderic II received the kingdom of Burgundy.

Chlothar II remained often at war with Theuderic until the latter died in Metz in late 613 while preparing a campaign against him.

Chlothar II's troops dispersed immediately, and Brunhilda placed her great-grandson Sigebert II on the throne of Austrasia.

Chlothar II underwent a very severe torture and execution by being dragged on the back of a horse and drawn-and-quartered.

In 614, Chlothar II convoked the Council of Paris and promulgated the Edict of Paris, which reserved many rights to the Frankish nobles while it excluded Jews from all civil employment for the Crown.

Chlothar II remained respectful of the Church and its doctrines, keeping it as an ally.

Chlothar II likely tried to maintain himself as a pious king, inspired by the holiness of his uncle Guntram who had protected him and allowed him the throne.

Chlothar II likely had the policy of maintaining good relations with Christianized-barbarian peoples so long as they kept good relations themselves with the Church.

Chlothar II's rule lasted longer than any other Merovingian king save for his grandfather, Chlothar I Clothar's son Dagobert, who had been king of Austrasia, succeeded his father in Neustria and Burgundy.

Chlothar II first married Haldetrude, with whom he had the following children:.