Saint Radegunda
Saint Radegunda was a notable figure born into the Thuringian royal family and brought to France as a captive following the Frankish conquest of her homeland in 531 CE. She married King Chlotar I around 540 CE but chose to leave court life after the assassination of her brother, opting instead for a religious vocation. During her time in Aquitaine, she established a charitable institution for the needy and later founded a female monastery in Poitiers with the support of her former husband. Radegunda is known for obtaining a relic of the True Cross from the Byzantine emperor Justin II, which became significant in her religious life. Tensions with the local bishop led her to adopt the Rule of Caesarius for nuns, granting her monastery greater autonomy. Upon her death, she was quickly recognized as a saint, and her cult in Poitiers became prominent, rivaling that of Saint Hilary. Radegunda is historically significant as the first female ruler canonized as a saint, and her life paved the way for future medieval queens who embraced monasticism while maintaining political influence.
Saint Radegunda
Related civilizations: Merovingia, Rome
Major role/position: Queen, nun
Life
Born into the Thuringian royal family, Radegunda (RAHD-uh-gihn-dah) was brought to France as a captive after the Franks conquered her homeland in 531 c.e. The Merovingian king Chlotar I (497-561 c.e.) married her in about 540 c.e., but they had no children, and when her brother was assassinated, Radegunda left court to adopt the religious life. For several years, she lived at her villa in Aquitaine, where she established a charitable institution for the indigent. In the late 550’s c.e., with Chlotar’s financial support, Radegunda founded a female monastery at Poitiers, where she lived until her death. Around 570 c.e., Radegunda sought and received a relic of the True Cross from Justin II, the Byzantine emperor. Subsequently, tense relations with Maroveus, the bishop of Poitiers, led to Radegunda’s adoption of Caesarius’s Rule for Nuns, which curtailed episcopal supervision of nunneries. Upon her death, Radegunda was immediately recognized as a saint, and her cult in Poitiers rivaled that of Saint Hilary.
Influence
Radegunda was the first female ruler to be recognized as a saint, or canonized. Her career foreshadows that of other medieval queens who adopted a monastic life after they retired from court. However, Radegunda’s life is extraordinary in that she retained significant political influence even after her retirement from court.
Bibliography
McNamara, Jo Ann, et al. Sainted Women of the Dark Ages. Durham, N.C.: Duke University Press, 1992.
Van Dam, Raymond. Saints and Their Miracles in Late Antique Gaul. Princeton, N.J.: Princeton University Press, 1993.