The Division of 561: A Political Powder Keg

When Chlothar I died, his four sons (Charibert, Guntram, Sigebert, and Chilperic) drew lots to divide the kingdom, following the tradition of Salic law.

An impossible balance

Although the division was meant to be fair in terms of revenue, it was geographically complex. Paris, Clovis’s capital, was shared among the brothers so that none could seize it alone.

Chilperic’s show of force

Chilperic, the youngest, did not wait for the official division. He seized the royal treasury at Berny and occupied Paris with his warriors. His brothers had to unite to drive him out and force him to accept his lot (the kingdom of Soissons). This event marked the beginning of lasting distrust among the brothers.

Long-term consequences

This division fixed the frontiers of what would become:

• Neustria (North-West)
• Austrasia (North-East)
• Burgundy (South-East)

Clovis’s and Chlothar’s unity shattered for nearly 50 years of civil wars.