Sigebert II facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Sigebert II |
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Effigy of Sigebert II on his coin, minted in Marseille
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| King of Burgundy and Austrasia | |
| Reign | 613-613 |
| Coronation | 613 |
| Predecessor | Theuderic II |
| Successor | Clotaire II (Reunion of entire Frankish kingdom) |
| Born | 601 |
| Died | 613 (aged 12) |
| Dynasty | Merovingian |
| Father | Theuderic II |
Sigebert II (born 601, died 613) was a young king who ruled parts of the Frankish kingdom for a very short time. He was the son of Theuderic II, who was king of Burgundy and Austrasia. When his father died in 613, Sigebert, who was only 12 years old, inherited these two kingdoms.
Contents
A Young King's Reign
Sigebert II became king in 613. However, because he was so young, he was greatly influenced by his great-grandmother, Brunhilda. She was a powerful and experienced queen.
The Role of the Mayor of the Palace
In those days, a very important person was the "mayor of the palace." This person was like a chief minister or a prime minister. They managed the king's household and often held a lot of power. For Sigebert, the mayor of the palace in Austrasia was a man named Warnachar.
Warnachar brought Sigebert before a meeting of important nobles. At this meeting, the nobles officially declared Sigebert king of both Burgundy and Austrasia.
Betrayal and Invasion
Sigebert's rule did not last long. Another powerful king, Clotaire II of Neustria, decided to invade Sigebert's kingdoms. Neustria was another part of the Frankish kingdom.
During this invasion, Warnachar and another mayor of the palace, Rado from Burgundy, betrayed Sigebert and Brunhilda. They joined forces with Clotaire II. They recognized Clotaire as the rightful guardian of Sigebert. They also ordered Sigebert's army not to fight against Clotaire's forces.
The End of Sigebert's Rule
Brunhilda and Sigebert tried to meet Clotaire's army near a river called the Aisne. But many of their important leaders, like Aletheus, Duke Rocco, and Duke Sigvald, deserted them. This meant they left Brunhilda and Sigebert without their support.
Brunhilda and Sigebert were forced to run away. However, Clotaire's men caught them near Lake Neuchâtel. Sadly, Clotaire ordered the deaths of Brunhilda, young Sigebert, and Sigebert's younger brother, Corbo.
After Sigebert's death, Clotaire II took control of Austrasia and Neustria. This meant he now ruled the entire kingdom of the Franks, bringing all the different parts together again.
