- Berthoald
Berthoald (or "Bertoald") (d. 604) was the
mayor of the palace ofBurgundy from some time before 603 (when he is first mentioned as mayor under KingTheuderic II ) until his death in the next year. According to theBurgundian chroniclerFredegar , he was moderate, sensible, brave, and honest.In 604, Theuderic, at the suggestion of his grandmother
Brunhilda , sent Berthoald to inspect the royal "villae" along theSeine , in order to have him away from court so that he might be conveniently killed. Brunhilda intended to raise her paramourProtadius to Berthoald's honours. Berthoald and three hundred men were atArèle when KingClotaire II ofNeustria —alerted by some means to his presence— sent an army under his son Merovech and his mayorLandric to assault him. Berthoald fled toOrléans , and Landric followed and besieged him, which violated a peace treaty with Theuderic. The king of Burgundy went out atChristmas toÉtampes and met the forces of Merovech and Landric. Defeating them with the aid of Berthoald, he tookParis . Berthoald was killed in battle, having charged the enemy too far, with no regard for his own life, which he knew was in danger at court because of the plottings on behalf of Protadius. Protadius was indeed made mayor of the palace after him.
Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.