Arnulf of Metz

Arnulf of Metz was born around 582 near Nancy in Lorraine, France. He belonged to a noble Frankish family that owned vast domains between the Moselle and Meuse rivers. He was educated by Gondulf of Provence, a bishop and courtier of the Merovingian kings. Arnulf became a dux (duke) at the Schelde river and served with distinction at the court of King Theudebert II of Austrasia. He married a noblewoman named Dode or Doda, who was the paternal aunt of Saint Glodesind, an abbess of Metz. They had three children: Ansegisel, Chlodulf, and Clotilda. Arnulf was a loyal supporter of Pippin I, the mayor of the palace and the most powerful figure in Austrasia. Together, they led the aristocratic opposition to Queen Brunhild, who ruled over Austrasia, Burgundy, and Neustria as regent for her grandsons. In 613, they defeated Brunhild and her army at the Battle of Andernach and reunited the Frankish lands under King Chlothar II. Arnulf became the bishop of Metz around the same time and played an influential role in the church and state affairs. He was also an advisor to King Dagobert I, the son of Chlothar II, who granted him several privileges and lands. Arnulf was known for his piety and charity. He founded several monasteries and churches, including the Abbey of Remiremont in the Vosges mountains. He also performed many miracles, such as healing the sick, multiplying food, and calming storms. He retired from his episcopal duties around 629 and became a hermit in a forest near Remiremont. He died there around 640 and was buried in the abbey church. His relics were later transferred to Metz Cathedral. Arnulf is venerated as a saint by the Catholic Church. His feast day is July 18 or August 16. He is also considered the earliest known ancestor of Charlemagne and the Carolingian dynasty, although this claim is based on later sources that may not be reliable. His son Ansegisel married Pippin's daughter Begga, and their son Pippin II was Charlemagne's great-grandfather. Arnulf's descendants became known as the Arnulfings or Pippinids, and later as the Carolingians. They ruled over most of Western Europe from the 8th to the 10th century. ¹²