General Notes

[Direct Linage1.FTW]

Note:
He ruled as the Frankish King of Austrasia 561 - 575. When his brother, Chilperic I of Neustria, attacked Austrasia in 573, Sigebert overran Neustria and was about to be proclaimed its king but was murdered by order of Chilperic's wife, Fredegunde.Note:

1. Acceded 561 King of Austrasia.

2. Excerpt from "The Franks" by Godefroi Kurth, Transcribed by Michael C. Tinkler, from "The Catholic Encyclopedia", Volume VI, Copyright  1909 by Robert Appleton Company, Online Edition Copyright  1999 by Kevin Knight, Nihil Obstat, September 1, 1909. Remy Lafort, Censor Imprimatur. +John M. Farley, Archbishop of New York (full text in Clodian's notes):

Brunehilde's (Sigebert's wife) determination to avenge the death of her sister (Galeswintha) involved in bitter strife not only between the two women but their husbands. In 575 Sigebert, who was repeatedly provoked by Chilperic, took the field, resolved to bring the quarrel to a conclusion. Chilperic, already banished from his kingdom, had taken refuge behind the walls of Tournai, whence he had no hope of escape, when, just as Sigebert's soldiers were about to raise him to the throne, he was felled by assassins sent by Fredegonda (Fredegund). Immediately the aspect of affairs changed: Brunehilde, humiliated and taken prisoner, escaped only with the greatest difficulty and after the most thrilling adventures, while Fredegonda (Fredegund) and Chilperic exulted in their triumph. The rivalry between the two kingdoms, henceforth known respectively as Austrasia (Kingdom of the East) and Neustria (Kingdom of the West), only grew fiercer. Gontran's (Guntramm) kingdom continued to be called Burgundy. First the nobles of Austrasia and then Brunehilde who had become regent, led the campaign against Chilperic, who perished in 584 at the hand of an assassin. The murderer could not be ascertained.