Bilichildis

Bilichilde (d. 610), was a queen of Austrasia by marriage to Theudebert II.

She was a serf bought from the slave market by Brunhilda of Austrasia. In 1979, Alfred Friese hypothesised that she was apparented to Duke Gisulf I of Friuli, whose two daughters were captured and enslaved, only for one to be married to a Bavarian prince and the other to an Alaman prince. This hypothesis was then disproven by Christian Settipani.[1]

In 608, Bilichildis married King Theudebert II of Austrasia and gave birth to a daughter, betrothed to Adaloald, son Agilulf, king of the Lombards. She may also the mother of Merovech, but Karl August Eckhardt doubts this, esteeming that it is more likely that he is the son of Theodechilde.[2]

Even if she was of "low origin" (which could otherwise be a concern for a queen), she was loved by her subjects.[1]

She was reportedly murdered by her spouse when he wished to marry Theodechilde (d. 613).[1]

See also

References
  1. Christian Settipani, La Préhistoire des Capétiens (Nouvelle histoire généalogique de l'auguste maison de France, vol. 1), Villeneuve d'Ascq, éd. Patrick van Kerrebrouck, 1993, 545 p. (ISBN 978-2-95015-093-6),
  2. Karl August Eckhardt (1975). Studia Merovingica (in German). Witzenhausen.
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