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Theudebert I

Type Figure Region Austrasia Time c. 504–548 Also known as Theudebert I

King of Austrasia (c. 504–548), grandson of Clovis I; noted for his Italian campaign and for minting gold coins bearing his own image, asserting pari…

Timeline

  1. c. 504–533Metz · LorraineSon of Theuderic I (Theuderic I), a son of Clovis I, he belonged to a branch descended from Clovis's concubines. He grew up in his father's Austrasia, learning warfare and statecraft. After his father's death around 533 he succeeded to the kingdom of Austrasia, with Metz as his capital.
  2. c. 533–548Metz · LorraineDuring his reign he showed strong expansionist ambitions. In 539, exploiting the war between the Ostrogoths and Byzantium in Italy, he led a Frankish army across the Alps into the Po valley, forcing both sides onto the defensive. The campaign brought him control of Provence and other regions. He also minted gold solidi bearing his own image, breaking the earlier custom of barbarian kings striking coins only in the Byzantine emperor's name and symbolizing fully independent royal authority. He maintained diplomatic contacts with the Byzantine emperor Justinian I. He died in 548 and was succeeded by his son Theudebald.

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