Clovis and Remigius of Reims in the making of the Merovingian Kingdoms

Abstract

This article approaches the study of the collaboration between Remigius of Reims and Clovis and its impact on the formation of the Merovingian kingdoms. This will be achieved through the introduction of an alternative reading of the letter sent by the former to the young king on the occasion of his accession to power. To attain this goal, special attention will be paid to the personal interests of both figures as the main and most immediate reason for their relationship. Specifically, both Clovis and Remigius had to move in a scenario dominated by their own political and social competition, which forced each man to look to his own political survival. It is in this sense in which we will interpret many of his political movements and perceptions reflected in the letter in question. Likewise, the short and long-term political implications of their alliance on the building and forging of the future Regnum Francorum will also be addressed. This will be of special importance in the supply of a territorial basis for the new kingdom, supported largely by the diocesan structure provided by Remigius. In the end, this situation would change and the relationship between the two figures would undergo an erosion as a consequence of Remigius’ mistrust of Clovis’ increasing power.