Brunhilda (c. 533–613)

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Brunhilda (c. 533–613)

Merovingian queen. Name variations: Brunechildis; Brunehilde, Brunhilde, Brunnhilde, or Brunehaut, queen of Austrasia. Born c. 533; died in 613; dau. of Athanagild (Athangild), king of the Visigoths, and Queen Goinswintha of Spain; sister of Galswintha; m. Sigibert I, king of Austrasia (r. 561–575, assassinated, 575); m. Merovech (son of Chilperic I and Audovera); sister-in-law of Fredegund (c. 547–597); children: Childebert II, king of Austrasia (r. 575–595), king of Burgundy (r. 593–595).

Married Sigibert I, king of Austrasia who was reigning at Metz (567); her sister Galswintha soon married Sigibert's younger brother Chilperic I, king of the west Frankish kingdom of Neustria; when Chilperic assassinated Galswintha, following the instructions of his paramour Fredegund, set out to avenge her sister's death. Bloody deeds, provoked by the enmity of Brunhilda and Fredegund, fill the annals of the next half century in Gaul.

See also Women in World History.

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Brunhilda (c. 533–613)

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