Britannica Sources used in this answer

How did Guntram create the Merovingian kingdom of Burgundy after 561?

Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

Map of France highlighting the Burgundy (Bourgogne) region in white at the center-east of the country, with major cities such as Dijon, Nevers, Auxerre, and Macon labeled. Surrounding countries and bodies of water, including Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Mediterranean Sea, are also shown. An inset map in the upper left corner shows the location of Burgundy within France. — Burgundy Burgundy (Bourgogne), historical region of France.

Following the death of his father, Chlotar I, in 561, the Frankish realm was partitioned among his sons. Guntram received the kingdom of Orléans, which included the former Burgundian lands.12

Guntram expanded this territory significantly to create the Merovingian kingdom of Burgundy through the following actions:

Territorial Acquisition: Upon the death of his brother Charibert of Paris in 567 or 568, Guntram added further territory to his holdings.1
Consolidation: The resulting kingdom eventually encompassed all former Burgundian lands, the diocese of Arles in Provence, the Val d’Aosta, and extensive areas in north-central France.3
Strategic Governance: Guntram established his capital at Chalon-sur-Saône and utilized political skills, including prudence and duplicity, to maintain a balance of power against his brothers, Chilperic I and Sigebert I.12
Diplomacy: Following the death of Chilperic in 584, Guntram settled remaining differences with his nephew Childebert II through the Treaty of Andelot in 587, further stabilizing his realm.1