Garibald II (585–625) was Duke of Bavaria from 610 until his death. He was the son of Tassilo I.
He married Geila, daughter of Gisulf II of Friuli and Romilda.
The successors of Garibald II are not completely known. Bavarian tradition places Theodo I, Theodo II, and Theodo III in the realm of legend, as mythical Agilofing ancestors. The next well-documented Agilofing duke is Theodo. This, however, leaves a half-century gap between Garibald and his next known successor.
pressures from neighboring powers such as the Franks, Lombards, and Avars.
marriage to Geila (Gisulf’s daughter). • Limitations: Paul wrote in the late 8th century, long after Garibald II’s death, meaning his account relies on oral traditions and earlier sources now lost.
The Fredegar Chronicle
• Chronica Fredegarii (Fredegar’s Chronicle) • Relevance: A Frankish chronicle from the mid-7th century that provides context for the broader geopolitical situation of Bavaria during Garibald II’s time. It discusses interactions between the Bavarians, Franks, Lombards, and Avars, which would have shaped Garibald’s reign.
Dynastic Ties
• Marriage to Geila of Friuli: His marriage to Geila, the daughter of Gisulf II of Friuli and Romilda, connected him to the Lombard duchy of Friuli. This union indicates the importance of dynastic alliances in securing peace and cooperation between Bavarian and Lombard territories. • His lineage ties him to the influential Agilolfing dynasty, which dominated Bavarian leadership for centuries.
Religious and Cultural Context
• While specific contributions by Garibald II are unknown, Bavaria during this period was experiencing gradual Christianization. This process was aided by ties to the Lombards, who were transitioning from Arianism to Catholicism. • Garibald II likely played a role in fostering relationships with the Frankish Merovingians, who were a dominant Christian force in the region.
Military and Diplomatic Challenges
• The early 7th century saw constant tensions with neighboring tribes such as the Avars to the east, who frequently raided European territories. • Bavaria also faced diplomatic and military pressure from the Frankish kingdom, which sought to exert influence over the region.
Uncertainty in Succession
• As noted, the period following Garibald II’s death is poorly documented. Tradition holds that legendary figures like Theodo I, Theodo II, and Theodo III ruled Bavaria. However, no reliable evidence confirms this. • By the late 7th century, Theodo, a documented Agilolfing duke, emerges, suggesting either a continuity in leadership or a gap in historical records.
Historical Context
• Garibald II’s reign occurred during a formative period for Bavaria, as the region transitioned from tribal leadership to a structured duchy under the Agilolfings. This era laid the groundwork for Bavaria’s integration into the Frankish realm and later the Carolingian Empire.
Legacy
• Although few details of his reign survive, Garibald II is a significant link in the history of the Agilolfing dynasty, which would remain influential until the 8th century. His reign marked a period of consolidation and survival for early Bavaria in the face of external pressures and internal change.