Chlothar III

Chlothar III, born in the year six hundred fifty, was a notable monarch of the Franks, ruling over Neustria and Burgundy from six hundred fifty-seven until his death. He was the firstborn son of King Clovis II and Queen Balthild, ascending to the throne under his mother's regency. His reign was foreshadowed by the prophecy of Saint Eligius, who predicted not only the death of Clovis but also the challenges that would beset Balthild and Chlothar's brief rule.

During Chlothar's reign, which is marked by limited historical records, significant events unfolded. The Historia Langobardorum recounts a Frankish invasion of Provence and Italy in the early six hundreds sixties, where they encountered the Lombard king Grimoald I. This encounter turned tumultuous as the Franks, initially celebrating their success, were ultimately driven back by a surprise attack from Grimoald.

Following the death of Saint Eligius in six hundred sixty-one, a devastating plague swept through the cities of France, a calamity echoed in the British Isles as noted by Bede in six hundred sixty-four. Amidst these challenges, the people of Austrasia sought their own king, leading to the appointment of Chlothar's brother, Childeric II, in six hundred sixty-two.

Chlothar's reign also saw the death of the mayor of the palace, Erchinoald, and the election of Ebroin as his successor. Ebroin's influence grew significantly, as illustrated by the story of Theodore of Canterbury, who required the mayor's permission to traverse the Frankish kingdoms from Rome in six hundred sixty-eight. Chlothar, reaching the age of majority in six hundred sixty-nine, may have become more politically active during this period.

His reign, however, was short-lived, lasting only four years of active governance from six hundred sixty-nine to six hundred seventy-three. The Liber Historiae Francorum confirms that he was still in the sixteenth year of his reign in a chronological note from six hundred seventy-three. Following his death, his brother Theuderic III succeeded him later that same year, marking the end of Chlothar's brief yet impactful rule.