The Burgundian Realms
Tracing the evolution of kingdoms named Burgundy through the Middle Ages, from tribal settlements to imperial integration.
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The First Kingdom: Burgundians (411–534)
Germanic Origins
The name "Burgundy" originates from the Germanic tribe of Burgundians. Their ancestral homeland may have been Bornholm, as suggested by the Old Norse name Burgundarholmr ("Island of the Burgundians"). Alternatively, "Burgundian" might have broadly signified "highlanders." Initially documented along the Middle Rhine, they migrated into Roman Gaul, settling in Sapaudia (modern western Switzerland and northeastern France) as foederati (allied troops) around 443.
Expansion and Conflict
Under King Gunther, the Burgundians engaged in expansionist campaigns into Gallia Belgica, leading to a significant defeat by Roman and Hunnic forces led by Flavius Aetius in 436. Following this, they resettled in Sapaudia as Roman allies. After the Western Roman Empire's collapse in 476, King Gundobad formed an alliance with Clovis I of the Franks, codifying Burgundian law (Lex Burgundionum).
Frankish Conquest
The alliance with the Franks eventually turned adversarial. Incited by Clovis I's wife, Clotilde, whose father had been killed by Gundobad, the Franks launched campaigns against the Burgundians. A decisive Frankish victory in 532 at Autun led to the annexation of Burgundian lands into the Frankish Empire in 534, marking the end of the independent Kingdom of the Burgundians.
Merovingian Burgundy (534–751)
Regional Entity
Following the Frankish conquest, Burgundy ceased to exist as an independent kingdom. However, the region remained a significant political and administrative entity within the larger Frankish realm, alongside Austrasia and Neustria. This period saw the region integrated into the evolving Frankish state structure.
Royal Titles
Although no independent kingdom existed, several rulers of the Merovingian dynasty intermittently used the title "King of Burgundy" between 561 and 592, and again between 639 and 737. These titles reflected the importance of the Burgundian territories within the fragmented Frankish kingdoms.
Frankish Administration
The map illustrates Burgundy's status as part of the Frankish Empire between 534 and 843. This period laid the groundwork for future political divisions and the eventual emergence of distinct Burgundian entities within the Carolingian successor states.
Carolingian Burgundy (751–879)
Imperial Divisions
The partitions of Charlemagne's empire significantly impacted Burgundy. The Treaty of Verdun (843) divided the empire, incorporating the northwestern parts of the former Burgundian lands into West Francia as the Duchy of Burgundy (capital Dijon). The southeastern regions formed part of Middle Francia, ruled by Lothair I.
Emergence of Provence
Lothair I's division of his kingdom in 855 created new entities. The regions of Lower Burgundy and Provence were allocated to his youngest son, Charles of Provence. Due to Charles's youth, power was largely wielded by regent Girart II of Vienne. These divisions led to complex political maneuvering and conflicts among Carolingian heirs and powerful nobles.
Shifting Alliances
Following Charles of Provence's death in 863, his kingdom was divided between his brothers, Lothair II (Lotharingia) and Louis II (Italy). Later treaties, like the Treaty of Meerssen (870), further redistributed these territories, with East Francia gaining northern parts and West Francia acquiring southern lands.
Bosonid and Welf Burgundy (879–1033)
Boso's Kingdom
In 879, following the weakening of Carolingian authority, the noble Boso of Provence proclaimed himself "King of Burgundy and Provence" at Vienne. This kingdom, centered in Lower Burgundy, persisted until Boso's death in 887. His son, Louis the Blind, later succeeded him.
Upper and Lower Burgundy
Concurrently, Rudolph I of Burgundy, from the Elder House of Welf, established his own Kingdom of Upper Burgundy around Lake Geneva. This kingdom encompassed territories like Besançon, which would later form the Franche-Comté.
Unification
In 933, Rudolph II of Burgundy acquired Lower Burgundy, merging the two kingdoms into a single, unified Kingdom of Burgundy. This realm represented a significant, albeit often contested, political entity in the region.
Kingdom of Burgundy-Arles (Post-1033)
Imperial Integration
The unified Kingdom of Burgundy maintained its independence until 1032. Its effective power was largely confined to the region around Lake Geneva. Upon the death of its last independent ruler, the kingdom was absorbed into the Holy Roman Empire under Emperor Conrad II in 1033 and formally crowned in 1034.
A Realm Within the Empire
Burgundy became one of the three primary kingdoms within the Holy Roman Empire, alongside Germany and Italy. From the 12th century, it was also commonly referred to as the Kingdom of Arles. Despite imperial integration, the kingdom gradually fragmented due to inheritance divisions and territorial losses.
Administrative Circles
Later, the historical Burgundian territories were reorganized into administrative divisions within the Holy Roman Empire, notably the Burgundian Circle established in 1512. This circle encompassed various counties, duchies, and cities, reflecting the enduring legacy of the region's political history.
Valois Revival Attempt
Charles the Bold's Ambition
In the late 15th century, Charles the Bold, Duke of Burgundy, envisioned consolidating his diverse territories—the Duchy of Burgundy, Franche-Comté, and the Burgundian Netherlands—into a revived Kingdom of Burgundy, with himself as king. This ambition aimed to create a powerful, independent realm.
Negotiations and Failure
Charles negotiated with Emperor Frederick III regarding a potential coronation ceremony at Trier. However, these plans were thwarted by political disagreements and Frederick III's abrupt departure in 1473. The duchy's independent trajectory ended with Charles the Bold's death at the Battle of Nancy in 1477.
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