Brunehaut

Brunehaut (c. 543 – 613), also known as Brunhilda or Brunichildis, was a queen of Austrasia, one of the Frankish kingdoms of the Merovingian dynasty, through her marriage to Sigebert I in 567. She later ruled as regent for her son Childebert II and her grandsons Theudebert II and Theuderic II.

Brunehaut was born a Visigothic princess in Toledo, the daughter of King Athanagild and Queen Goiswintha. Her marriage to Sigebert I was part of a diplomatic effort to establish peace between the Franks and the Visigoths. She is described as being beautiful, intelligent, and ambitious.

After Sigebert I's assassination in 575, Brunehaut struggled to maintain power for her son, Childebert II. This period was marked by constant warfare and political intrigue, particularly with Fredegund, the wife of Chilperic I of Neustria (Sigebert's brother), who was a bitter rival. The rivalry between Brunehaut and Fredegund became legendary, fueling the Frankish civil wars for decades.

Brunehaut served as regent for Childebert II upon his accession, and later for her grandsons Theudebert II of Austrasia and Theuderic II of Burgundy. She actively participated in governance, implementing administrative reforms, building roads, churches, and abbeys. She also sought to strengthen the power of the monarchy.

However, her influence and ambition provoked resentment among the Austrasian nobility, who viewed her as a foreign interloper. Eventually, a rebellion led by Clotaire II of Neustria (Fredegund's son) resulted in Brunehaut's capture in 613.

Brunehaut was subjected to torture and public humiliation before being tied to the tail of a wild horse and dragged to her death. She was over seventy years old at the time of her execution. Her reign, though controversial, had a significant impact on the Frankish kingdoms, and she remains a notable figure in Merovingian history. She is remembered both for her intelligence and ambition, as well as for the brutality and political instability that characterized her era.