Sigebert III facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Sigebert III |
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Sigebert III's signet ring
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| King of Austrasia | |
| Reign | 633–656 |
| Predecessor | Dagobert I |
| Successor | Childebert the Adopted |
| Mayor of the Palace | Grimoald the Elder |
| Born | 630 |
| Died | c. 656 (aged 25–26) Metz |
| Burial | Nancy Cathedral |
| Spouse | Chimnechild |
| Issue | Dagobert II Bilichild Childebert (adoptive) |
| Dynasty | Merovingian |
| Father | Dagobert I |
| Mother | Ragnétrude |
| Religion | Chalcedonian Christianity (Sanctified) |
Sigebert III (around 630–656) was a Merovingian king. He ruled Austrasia from 633 until his death in 656. He is sometimes called the first roi fainéant, which means "do-nothing king." This is because the real power was held by the mayor of the palace. However, Sigebert lived a very religious Christian life. He was later made a saint. Today, he is known as Saint Sigebert of Austrasia in the Roman Catholic Church and Eastern Orthodox Church.
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Early Life and Becoming King
Sigebert was born in 630. He was the oldest son of Dagobert I, who was the King of the Franks. His mother was Ragnetrude. King Dagobert asked Saint Amand to baptize his new baby. Saint Amand had been sent away before for criticizing the king. But they made peace. The baptism happened in Orléans. Charibert II, Dagobert's half-brother, was Sigebert's godfather.
Dagobert chose Pepin of Landen to teach Sigebert. Pepin had been a powerful official called the mayor of the palace. Pepin took young Sigebert to his lands in Aquitaine. They stayed there for three years.
In 633, when Sigebert was only three years old, some powerful nobles forced King Dagobert to make Sigebert the king of Austrasia. This was similar to how Dagobert himself had become king of Austrasia earlier. However, Dagobert did not want Pepin of Landen to have too much power. So, he made Adalgisel the mayor of the palace for Sigebert. He also made Saint Cunibert, the Bishop of Cologne, a regent. A regent is someone who rules for a child king. Pepin was kept in another part of the kingdom as a hostage.
Reign of a Young King
When King Dagobert died in 639, Sigebert III and his younger brother, Clovis II, became independent kings. Sigebert was about eleven years old. Clovis was only five. Both kingdoms were ruled by regents and mayors of the palace. During Sigebert's rule, the mayor of the palace became very important. They held most of the real power in Austrasia. This is why Sigebert is called the first "do-nothing king."
Pepin of Landen became mayor of the palace in 639. But he died the next year, in 640. His son, Grimoald, took his place.
In 640, the region of Duchy of Thuringia rebelled against Austrasia. This was the only war during Sigebert's reign. Grimoald allowed the young king to lead the army. But they were defeated by Duke Radulph. It is said that Sigebert cried after the defeat.
A Pious Life
Even though he wasn't a strong ruler, Sigebert grew up to be a very religious person. He learned a lot from Pepin and Saint Cunibert. He lived a life of strong Christian values. He used his wealth to build many monasteries, hospitals, and churches. One famous place he founded was the monastery of Stavelot-Malmedy.
Sigebert III died naturally on February 1, 656. He was only 25 years old. He was buried in the Abbey of Saint Martin near Metz, which he had helped build. Later, in 1063, his body was found to be well-preserved. It was moved to a special place near the altar. The abbey was destroyed in 1552. His relics (remains) were then moved to the Nancy Cathedral. Sigebert III is honored as a saint by the Catholic Church. His special day is February 1. He is also the patron saint of Nancy.
Family and What Happened Next
The Mayor of the Palace, Grimoald, convinced Sigebert to adopt Grimoald's son, Childebert the Adopted, as his heir. At this time, Sigebert did not have any children of his own. However, Sigebert later married Chimnechild of Burgundy. They had a son, who would become King Dagobert II. They also had a daughter named Bilichild. She later became Queen of Neustria and Burgundy.
After Sigebert died in 656, Grimoald tried to take the throne for himself. He sent Sigebert's young son, Dagobert (who was seven years old), to a monastery in Ireland. Grimoald's son, Childebert, was then made King of Austrasia. But Childebert's rule did not last long. He was removed from power after seven months in 657. Both he and his father were killed during a rebellion.
After this, Austrasia was ruled for a while by the children of Sigebert's brother, Clovis II. Eventually, Sigebert's own son, Dagobert II, returned from Ireland. He became king of Austrasia around 676, about 20 years after he was sent away.
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See also
In Spanish: Sigeberto III de Austrasia para niños
