The territory of present-day France was divided among the Frankish Merovingian kingdoms of Neustria, Austrasia and Burgundy, with Aquitaine and Provence partly under their control. Septimania in the southwest belonged to the Visigothic kingdom, and Brittany had Celtic populations.
🏛️ Politics
Gontran ruled the kingdom of Burgundy, Childebert II ruled Austrasia, and Chilperic I's young son Clothar II was king of Neustria under the regency of his mother Fredegund. In 587 Gontran and Childebert II concluded the Treaty of Andelot, which confirmed mutual succession and the distribution of certain cities. The treaty is traditionally dated to 28 November 587. It was recorded by Gregory of Tours, and its text is preserved in his Histories.
⚖️ Economy and society
Society consisted of Gallo-Roman populations and Franks living under Merovingian rule, with a predominantly rural economy based on agriculture. Bishops, aristocratic landowners and monasteries held considerable local influence, and the treaty regulated the possessions and loyalties of the aristocracy.
🔬 Science
Aucune information fiable n'est disponible sur ce sujet pour 587. Historical writing continued through Gregory of Tours, bishop of Tours, who was composing his Histories during this period.
🎭 Culture
Christian culture was dominated by the Church, with bishops such as Gregory of Tours and the poet Venantius Fortunatus (bishop of Poitiers later) active in Gaul. Monastic foundations, notably the Radegund's convent of Sainte-Croix in Poitiers, were important centers of religious life.
Key events
- Gontran of Burgundy and Childebert II of Austrasia concluded the Treaty of Andelot, confirming their alliance and mutual inheritance.
Historical context
- 511–687
Frankish kingdoms were repeatedly divided among Clovis's descendants, producing rivalries among Neustria, Austrasia and Burgundy.
- 561–613
Rivalry between Brunhilda of Austrasia and Fredegund of Neustria shaped Merovingian politics, following the murder of Chilperic I in 584.
- 584–628
Gontran's reign in Burgundy lasted until 592, and was followed by wider conflicts among his heirs and relatives.