 | You can helpexpand this article with text translated fromthe corresponding article in French. (July 2012)Click [show] for important translation instructions.
|
| Theuderic I | |
|---|---|
 Bronze coin of Theuderic I | |
| King ofMetz | |
| Reign | 511–534 |
| Predecessor | Clovis I |
| Successor | Theudebert I |
| Born | c. 487 |
| Died | c. 534 (aged 46–47) |
| Spouse | Suavegotha |
| Issue | Theudebert I Theodechild |
| Dynasty | Merovingian |
| Father | Clovis I |
Theuderic I[a] (c. 487 – 534) was theMerovingian king ofMetz,Rheims, orAustrasia—as it is variously called—from 511 to 534.[1]
He was the son ofClovis I and one of his earlier wives or concubines (possibly a Franco-Rhenish Princess, Evochildis of Cologne).[2] In accordance withSalian tradition, the kingdom was divided between Clovis's four surviving sons:Childebert I inParis,Chlodomer inOrléans, andChlothar I inSoissons. Theuderic inherited Metz in 511 at his father's death. Early in his reign, he sent his sonTheudebert to kill the Scandinavian KingChlochilaich (Hygelac ofBeowulf fame) who had invaded his realm.[3]
Theuderic got involved in the war between theThuringian KingHermanfrid and his brotherBaderic. Theuderic was promised half of Thuringia for his help; Baderic was defeated, but the land promised was not given up. In 531, Theuderic then, with his brother Chlothar and his son, attackedThuringia to avenge himself on Hermanfrid. With the assistance of theSaxons under DukeHadugato, Thuringia was conquered, and Chlothar receivedRadegund, daughter of KingBerthar (Hermanfrid's late brother). Hermanfrid was killed inbattle at Unstrut and his kingdom was annexed.[2]
The four sons of Clovis then all fought theBurgundian kingsSigismund andGodomar; Godomar fled and Sigismund was taken prisoner byChlodomer. Theuderic married Sigismund's daughterSuavegotha. Godomar rallied the Burgundian army and won back his kingdom. Chlodomer, aided by Theuderic, defeated Godomar, but died in the fighting atVézeronce.
After making a treaty with his brother Childebert, Theuderic died in 534. Upon his death the throne of Metz, passed (without hindrance, unexpectedly) to his son Theudebert. Theuderic also left a daughter Theodechild (by his wife Suavegotha, daughter of the defeated Sigismund of Burgundy). Theodechild founded theAbbey of St-Pierre le Vif at Sens.[4]
This article incorporates text from this source, which is in thepublic domain.
Theuderic I Born: 487 Died: 534 | ||
| Preceded by | King of Rheims 511–534 | Succeeded by |
Merovingian dynasty (400–751 AD) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
 |
|  | |
| International | |
|---|---|
| National | |
| People | |
| Other | |
