Charibert II (c. 607/617 – 8 April 632) was a figure of the early Merovingian era, whose brief but significant reign as King of Aquitaine marked a period of consolidation in the southwestern regions of what is now France. Born to King Clotaire II and his junior wife, Sichilde, Charibert’s life was inherently intertwined with the complex succession politics of the Frankish kingdom.

While the exact date of Charibert’s birth remains somewhat ambiguous, historical accounts suggest he was "a few years younger" than his half-brother, Dagobert I, a detail that placed him squarely in the succession line, albeit as a junior claimant. His father, Clotaire II, a powerful Merovingian king who had reunified the Frankish realms, famously maintained a bigamous marriage—a practice not uncommon among Frankish royalty of the time, often serving to cement alliances and ensure numerous heirs. Charibert was the offspring of this secondary union, a factor that would influence his future claims.

The Struggle for Succession and the Birth of a Kingdom

Upon the death of his father, Clotaire II, in 629, the vast Frankish kingdom faced its perennial challenge of succession. Clotaire had ruled over a unified realm, but its territories – Austrasia, Neustria, and Burgundy – often pulled in different directions. Dagobert I, Charibert’s elder half-brother, had already been established as King of Austrasia since 623, giving him a considerable head start in claiming the entirety of his father's inheritance. However, Charibert, despite being a minor, put forth a claim for the wealthy kingdom of Neustria, seeking to secure his own significant portion of the inheritance.

These ambitious demands led to tense negotiations. Charibert’s interests were strongly advocated by his uncle, Brodulf, the brother of his mother Queen Sichilde. Brodulf emerged as a key supporter, fighting for his young nephew’s rightful place. However, Dagobert I, known for his decisive and often ruthless political maneuvering, was unwilling to tolerate such challenges to his authority. In a brutal move to consolidate his power and eliminate a rival faction, Dagobert ordered the assassination of Brodulf.

Despite this violent act, Dagobert seemingly found a pragmatic solution regarding Charibert himself. Rather than directly engaging in a prolonged conflict, Dagobert allowed his younger half-brother to take control of the "near-independent" realm of Aquitaine. This strategically vital region, with its distinct Gallo-Roman culture and its significant distance from the traditional Frankish heartlands, offered a convenient compromise. This arrangement appears to have been accepted by both parties, as evidenced by Charibert standing as godfather to Dagobert's son, Sigebert, in 631, a gesture of familial and political reconciliation.

Charibert's Reign in Aquitaine

From his capital at Toulouse, Charibert II carved out a substantial domain in southwestern Gaul. His kingdom encompassed key cities such as Toulouse itself, Cahors, Agen, Périgueux, and Saintes. Beyond these established centers, he further solidified his control by incorporating his possessions in Gascony, a region known for its strong independent spirit.

His marriage to Gisela, the daughter of Amand, who was a prominent ruler among the Gascons, proved to be a shrewd political move. This union not only cemented alliances but also aided in his efforts to bring the region under Frankish influence. Charibert’s reign was also marked by military success. Leading his own fighting force, he actively campaigned to subdue the long-standing resistance of the Basques, a fiercely independent people inhabiting the area between the Pyrenees and the Garonne. Through these military endeavors, he successfully brought the entire region of Novempopulania, which would later evolve into the Duchy of Vasconia, firmly under his control. This achievement was significant, as it extended Merovingian authority over a frontier region that had often eluded central control.

Death and the End of a Line

Charibert II's promising reign was tragically cut short. In 632, he died at Blaye, a town situated on the Gironde estuary, in what is today the department of Gironde. The exact circumstances of his death are not definitively recorded, but his sudden demise at a young age, coupled with subsequent events, fuels historical speculation regarding the political machinations of the era.

Tragedy continued to unfold for his line. Shortly after Charibert’s death, his infant son, Chilperic (sometimes referred to as Childeric in contemporary chronicles), who had briefly succeeded his father as king of Aquitaine, was also killed. Historical sources explicitly state that this infanticide occurred under the direct orders of Dagobert I, Charibert’s powerful half-brother. With the elimination of Charibert’s only heir, the kingdom of Aquitaine passed back entirely into Dagobert’s hands, effectively consolidating his control over the vast majority of the Frankish realms. Both Charibert II and his infant son Chilperic were laid to rest in the early Romanesque Basilica of Saint-Romain at Blaye, a site that serves as a poignant reminder of their brief but impactful roles in Merovingian history.

Frequently Asked Questions about Charibert II and Chilperic

Who was Charibert II?

Charibert II was a Merovingian king, son of Clotaire II and Sichilde, who ruled briefly as King of Aquitaine from 629 to 632. He was a younger half-brother to the more prominent King Dagobert I.

How did Charibert II become King of Aquitaine?

After his father Clotaire II died in 629, Charibert initially sought to claim Neustria. Following intense negotiations and the assassination of his representative, Brodulf, by Dagobert I, Charibert was granted the semi-autonomous realm of Aquitaine as a compromise, with Toulouse as his capital.

What was Charibert II's relationship with Dagobert I?

Charibert II and Dagobert I were half-brothers who initially vied for their father's inheritance. While Dagobert eliminated Charibert's uncle, Brodulf, the two eventually reached an agreement for Charibert to rule Aquitaine. A sign of their reconciliation was Charibert becoming godfather to Dagobert's son, Sigebert.

What territories did Charibert II rule?

Charibert II's kingdom of Aquitaine included important cities like Toulouse, Cahors, Agen, Périgueux, and Saintes. He also expanded his influence over his possessions in Gascony and, through military campaigns against the Basques, brought the region of Novempopulania (later the Duchy of Vasconia) under his control.

How did Charibert II die?

Charibert II died in Blaye, Gironde, in 632. The specific cause of his death is not clearly recorded in historical accounts, but its suddenness at a young age has led to some historical speculation.

What happened to Charibert II's son, Chilperic?

Chilperic, Charibert II's infant son, briefly succeeded his father as King of Aquitaine in 632. However, he was killed shortly thereafter, under the explicit orders of his great-uncle, Dagobert I, who then absorbed Aquitaine back into his consolidated Frankish kingdom.

Where are Charibert II and Chilperic buried?

Both Charibert II and his infant son Chilperic are buried in the early Romanesque Basilica of Saint-Romain at Blaye, France.