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Clovis's Conversion

Historical Event

496 AD · Modern Scholarly Estimate: c. 508 AD · Baptism at Reims by St. Remigius

Traditional Date: 25 December 496 AD

Key Facts: - Performed by St. Remigius, bishop of Reims, traditionally Christmas Day 496 AD - Gregory reports ~3,000 warriors baptized alongside Clovis (likely symbolic figure) - Clotilde credited with steadily working toward his conversion
Overview: - Clovis I's baptism into Nicene Christianity aligned the Frankish monarchy with the Gallo-Roman Nicene population and the papacy rather than against them.
Notes: - The 'holy dove'/Sainte Ampoule legend developed centuries after the event and should be treated as later legend, not eyewitness record.
Timeline: - 496 AD traditional; c. 508 AD modern scholarly estimate. Witch's Rebirth Canon: - Falls between Ch. 26 (Tolbiac) and Ch. 29 ('October 31, 511 AD') in Book I.
Sources: - Gregory of Tours; Letters of Avitus of Vienne. Modern: Danuta Shanzer & Ian Wood, Patrick Geary.

Book I

Historical Event

clovis-conversion

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