548 Theudebald succeeds Theudebert at Metz.
555 Clotaire takes possession of Theudebald’s kingdom.
558 On death of Childebert, Clotaire becomes sole ruler of the reunited kingdom. First application of the Salic law.
561 Death of Clotaire. The kingdom again divided.
(1) Charibert rules at Paris.
(2) Gontram at Orleans.
(3) Sigebert at Metz.
(4) Chilperic at Soissons.
567 Death of Charibert. Chilperic of Soissons seizes Charibert’s kingdom. The three Frankish kingdoms now take definite form. They are known as (1) Austrasia, capital Rheims. (2) Burgundy, capital Orleans. (3) Neustria, capital Soissons. The family division leads to terrible feuds, in which Austrasia and Neustria take the principal parts. Burgundy is weak and sides first with one and then the other. The office of mayor of the palace rises to importance. The Benedictines come from Italy and help to keep culture alive.
575 Sigebert of Austrasia, at war with Chilperic, is killed by assassins hired by Chilperic’s wife Fredegund. His son Childebert II succeeds.