Dagobert Ier
King of the Franks · 629-639 · born in 611, died on 19 January 639
Generally considered the last great Merovingian king, Dagobert I first reigned over Austrasia (623), then reunited the whole Frankish kingdom from 629. His reign restored a final glow of brilliance and unity to the dynasty.
An itinerant and pious king, he maintained the basilica of Saint-Denis, where he was buried, and made the kingdom a place of religious and artistic radiance. He surrounded himself with counsellors, several of whom were later canonised, such as Saint Eligius, and his reign stood out for sustained legislative and judicial activity.
He died in 639. The mayors of the palace, starting with the Pippinids, then gradually gained greater weight, without the royal legitimacy disappearing. The popular image of the “good king Dagobert”, born of an 18th-century song, contrasts sharply with this powerful and respected ruler.
In the tree of power
- Era: Merovingians
- Predecessor: Clotaire II (584-629)
- Successor: Clovis II (639-657)