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Samo | |
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Rex Sclavorum ("King of the Slavs") | |
Reign | 623–658 |
Predecessor | Title established |
Successor | Title dismantled |
Born | c. 600 "Senonian country" (Senonago), probably modern Soignies or Sens |
Died | c. 658 |
Spouse | At least twelve Wendish noblewomen |
Samo (c. 600–c. 658) founded the first recorded political union of Slavic tribes, known as Samo's Empire ("realm", "kingdom", or "tribal union"), ruling from 623 until his death in 658. According to Fredegarius, the only contemporary source, Samo was a Frankish merchant[1] who unified several Slavic tribes against robber raids and violence by nearby settled Avars, showing such bravery and command skills in battle that he was elected "King of the Slavs" (Latin: rex Sclavorum). In 631, Samo successfully defended his realm against the Frankish Kingdom in the three-day Battle of Wogastisburg.