Sigismund of Burgundy

St. Sigismund

Sigismund of Burgundy (c. 475 – 524 AD) was a King of the Burgundians, succeeding his father Gundobad. As a ruler, Sigismund is best known for his conversion to Christianity, specifically to the Trinitarian faith, distancing himself from the Arianism that was widespread among the Germanic tribes of the time. His reign marked a significant period in the history of the Burgundian kingdom, particularly in terms of its relationship with the Roman Empire and the spread of Christianity.

Early Life

Sigismund was born around 475 AD, the son of Gundobad and Caretene. The Burgundians were a Germanic tribe that had established a kingdom in what is now part of France and Switzerland. Little is known about Sigismund's early life before he ascended to the throne.

Reign

Upon his father's death in 516, Sigismund became the king of the Burgundians. One of his most notable actions as king was his conversion to Trinitarian Christianity, influenced by his wife, the Ostrogothic princess Ostrogotha. This conversion was significant, as the Burgundians had previously been adherents of Arian Christianity. Sigismund's shift in religious allegiance led to the establishment of the Abbey of St. Maurice in Agaunum, which became a center of Trinitarian Christian worship and pilgrimage.

Sigismund's reign was also marked by his relations with the Merovingian kingdom of the Franks. Initially, these relations were peaceful, but they later deteriorated, leading to conflict. Sigismund's decision to execute his own son, Sigeric, strained many of his political alliances and contributed to his downfall.

Downfall and Death

The execution of Sigeric led to a rebellion within the Burgundian kingdom. In 523, the Merovingian king, Chlodomer, led an invasion against Sigismund. Sigismund was defeated and captured in 524. He was subsequently executed by being thrown into a well.

Legacy

Sigismund's legacy is a complex one. He is venerated as a saint in the Eastern Orthodox Church, the Roman Catholic Church, and the Anglican Communion, with his feast day celebrated on May 1st. His conversion to Trinitarian Christianity and his foundation of the Abbey of St. Maurice had a lasting impact on the religious landscape of the region. However, his reign is also remembered for its turbulent end and the internal strife within the Burgundian kingdom.

See Also

• Gundobad
• Burgundians
• Arianism
• Trinitarianism
• Merovingian dynasty