Samo

Samo
Rex Sclavorum ("King of the Slavs")
Alleged mural of Samo in a Moravian rotunda
Reign623–658
PredecessorTitle established
SuccessorTitle dismantled
Bornc. 600
"Senonian country" (Senonago), probably modern Soignies or Sens
Diedc. 658
SpouseAt least twelve Wendish noblewomen

Samo (c. 600c. 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.

  1. ^ Lexikon des Mittelalters. Verlag J.B. Metzler, Vol. 7, cols 1342-1343