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Childeric I

Character

c. 458–481 AD

King of the Salian Franks (c. 458–481 AD)

Birth: - c. 436–440 AD. Death: - 481 AD, Tournai. Tomb rediscovered 27 May 1653. Parents: - Father: Merovech (per tradition) Children: - By Basina of Thuringia: Clovis I, Audofleda Allies: - The Western Roman Empire (foederatus); Aegidius Enemies: - The Visigoths Battles: - Battle of Orléans: 463 AD

Historical Appearance Notes: - Best-attested physical evidence of any figure in the roster: signet ring, gold bee ornaments — direct evidence for the 'long-haired king' convention. Most of the hoard was stolen in 1831 and melted down.

Novel Appearance: - Not yet detailed beyond his role as Clovis's father. Timeline: - c. 436–440 — born - c. 457/458 — succeeds Merovech - 463 — Battle of Orléans - 481 — dies, Tournai - 1653 — tomb discovered

Sources: - Gregory of Tours; the tomb itself (1653); Chiflet's Anastasis Childerici (1655). Modern: Patrick Périn, Michel Kazanski.

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