Garibald II of Bavaria

Garibald II (585–625) was Duke of Bavaria from 610 until his death. He was the son of Tassilo I, and married Geila (or Gaila), daughter of Gisulf II of Friuli and his wife 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 V. This, however, leaves a half-century gap between Garibald and his next known successor.

Historical Sources

Sources for Garibald II's reign and those of his immediate successors are few. From Paul the Deacon's Historia Langobardorum (History of the Lombards), we have the probable marriage to Gaila, and some peripheral details regarding neighboring rulers; Paul, however, 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 Chronica Fredegarii (Chronicle of Fredegar), a Frankish chronicle from the mid-7th century, is another source that provides context for the broader geopolitical situation of Bavaria during Garibald II's time. Much like the Historia Langobardorum, it discusses interactions between the Bavarians, Franks, Lombards, and Avars, which would have shaped Garibald II's reign.

Religious, Political, and Cultural Context

The early 7th century saw constant tensions with neighboring tribes, such as the Avars, to the east, who frequently raided European territories. 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's lineage ties him to the influential Agilolfing dynasty, which dominated Bavarian leadership for centuries; and his marriage to Geila—as she was the daughter of Gisulf II—connected him to the Lombard duchy of Friuli. Such dynastic alliances were a major tool for securing peace and cooperation between neighboring polities (in this case, Bavarian and Lombard territories) in medieval Europe.

Hence, Garibald II likely participated to some extent in the Lombard-Avar conflicts (on the side of the former); he may have also made overtures the Frankish Merovingians, as these latter were a dominant Christian force in the region and would have made for either powerful allies or dangerous enemies.

Legacy

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.

Although, as noted, 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.

References

• Wilhelm Störmer, Die Baiuwaren. Von der Völkerwanderung bis Tassilo III. 2nd ed. Beck, 2007.