Baderic

Baderic (also sometimes spelled Batheric) was a Frankish king who ruled over a portion of the Kingdom of Thuringia in the early 6th century. He is primarily known through the writings of Gregory of Tours, particularly his History of the Franks.

According to Gregory, Baderic was one of three brothers (along with Hermanfrid and Berthachar) who ruled Thuringia jointly after the death of their father, King Basinus. The brothers soon fell into conflict, vying for sole control of the kingdom. Baderic sided with Berthachar in a war against Hermanfrid. The war culminated in the Battle of Runefield (likely around 529 AD), where Baderic was killed. Berthachar also perished in the war shortly thereafter.

The defeat of Baderic and Berthachar left Hermanfrid as the sole ruler of Thuringia, at least for a short time. Hermanfrid's eventual defeat by the Frankish kings Theuderic I and Clothar I in the 530s brought the Kingdom of Thuringia under Frankish control.

While historical details about Baderic are scarce and primarily derived from Gregory of Tours, his existence is generally accepted. He represents a key figure in the turbulent period of Thuringian history leading up to its incorporation into the Frankish kingdom. His story highlights the internal power struggles and rivalries that characterized early medieval Germanic kingdoms.