Essay: Clovis King of the Franks

14 December 2018
Clovis King of the Franks
The Middle Ages, or Dark Ages were likely the most bloody, waning years in history. Meager amounts of art and literature were recorded nor were many exceptional leaders born. Lasting around 1,000 years, many events occurred including the Crusades and the Black Death. Rome was also being repeatedly invaded until eventually falling. This time period was mainly just a long road to recovery. One leader, Clovis did manage to create a name for himself during this time. He was credited with many accomplishments throughout his lifetime that most people could never have done in his circumstances.
Clovis was born 466 into a family of barbarians. His mother Basina was a Thuringian queen and his father Childeric a pagan and“King of the Franks.” Childeric’s reign though, would not last long because he would later die in battle against conflicting kings. At only fifteen years of age Clovis would succeed his father and continue his work.
Clovis began to conquer tribes one by one starting with Gaul. He defeated Syagrius, the last Roman governor of Gaul in the Battle of Soissons. To make alliances, he would often resort to marriage. He married Clotilde, a Christian Burgundian princess although he was a pagan. At first, Clovis was against Christianity and wanted his newborn to be a pagan, so Clotilde had the infant secretly baptized. The child later died. Gregory of Tours said later, Clovis had a lot on his hands. He was away fighting against the Alemani while his wife was home with another newborn. She again had the child secretly baptized, and it too fell ill. In Gregory of Tours account, he says, “Clovis is on the battlefield, fighting a losing battle against the Alemani, when he raises his eyes to heaven. ‘Jesus Christ,’ he prays, ‘if you will give me victory over my enemies, I will believe in you. I have called upon my own gods, but as I see only too clearly, they have no intentions of helping me.’At once the Alemani break their ranks and surrender. Clovis returns home a Christian, and he and Clotilde summon the bishop of Reims to come and baptize him.” He later found out that Clotilde had prayed over the sick newborn and it was healed. As a result,  Clovis began to believe that his child was saved and his conquering of the Alemani were all the Lord’s doings. He and his wife would go on to have three more boys. Though many believe Gregory of Tours’ account, some also believe Clovis’ conversion was a political decision. If he converted, he would gain many reliable allies, and he would gain the loyalty of most all the Frankish people.
Inspired by his newly found religion, Clovis waged war against Arian Visigoths. He fought with the assistance of the Burgundians and Chloderic, king of the Ripuarian Franks. became known as the Battle of Vouille. Clovis killed king of the Visigoths, Alaric II and sieged Aquitaine. Soon after, he would return to Tours and rejoice his victory, and he would be awarded the purple tunic of consul by his ally Eastern Emperor Anastasius. For the remainder of his life, Clovis would spend time killing off any contending Franks. He even took the lives of some of his allies and possible relatives. Some of these include Sigibert, Chloderic, Chararic, and Ragnachar. Throughout his 46 years of life, he conquered the Alemani, Burgundians, and Visigoths, but his expansion would soon end after his death. He died 511 CE in his capital of Paris leaving his kingdom in a broad blend of both Germanic and Roman cultures. He was buried in Paris at the Church of St Genevieve beside his wife. Because he never deemed a specific son to fill his throne, the kingdom was split four ways among his four sons. None of the kings were able to expand their territories very much. Chlothar outlived his three brothers and became the new King of the Franks.
Though in the midst of the Dark Ages, Clovis managed to create a lasting legacy for himself.  He is considered to be the founder of France. His name was modernized in Latin to Louis and has become a name of French royalty. Gregory of Tours considered Clovis a “new Constantine.” He is known today for his religious status, strict policies, and military leadership in expanding his kingdom fast and ruthlessly. No matter what name he goes by: Chlodovech, Clovis, or Louis, Clovis’ reign will always be remembered as an important part in keeping the Middle Ages alive and slowly but surely propelling the world into the next age.
Works Cited
Rickard, J (28 December 2012), Battle of Vouille, 507 http://www.historyofwar.org/articles/battle_vouille.html (Last Checked: 11 December 2018)
Wasson, Donald L. “Clovis I”  Ancient History Encyclopedia. Ancient History Encyclopedia, 10 Nov 2014. Web. (Last Checked: 11 December 2018)
Mitchell, Kathleen. “Clovis I” Encyclopedia Britannica. Encyclopedia Britannica, inc. (Lasted Reviewed: 11 December 2018) https://www.britannica.com/biography/Clovis-I
Bauer, Susan W. The History of the Medieval World: from the Conversion of Constantine to the First Crusade. W.W. Norton, 2010.