Gregory of Tours and the Paternity of Chlothar II: Strategies of Legitimation in the Merovingian Kingdoms
E. T. Dailey
Taking the succession of young Chlothar II as a case study, this article investigates methods legitimation and delegitimation available to king’s supporters detractors in Merovingian kingdoms. Through close reading Histories Gregory Tours, which is principal source for these events, study suggests that himself attempted undermine Chlothar’s position by raising doubts about boy’s paternity calling attention transparent efforts his mother, Queen Fredegund, establish her son’s legitimacy (as well own marital fidelity). These included appropriation certain customs such naming, baptism, baptismal sponsorship heirs. The example II’s contested illustrates how elites within society established or removed king from throne arguing over membership ruling family—a process left family itself secure. Insights are then made into political theory system enabled stability, including role female agency therein.
Journal of Late Antiquity