Guntram vs Theophilos

After the assassination of Sigebert I, Guntram adopted his nephew Childebert II as his heir, securing the succession of Austrasia and Burgundy. This act prevented further conflict with Brunhilda and ensured a unified front against Chilperic I.

Guntram's forces defeated the pretender Gundoald, who claimed to be the son of Chlothar I and had seized territory in Aquitaine. Gundoald was besieged at Comminges and killed, ending the rebellion and consolidating Guntram's control over Burgundy.

Guntram convened the Council of M

Guntram signed the Treaty of Andelot with Brunhilda and Childebert II, formalizing their alliance and defining the boundaries between Burgundy and Austrasia. The treaty also arranged for mutual defense and the succession of Childebert II to Guntram's kingdom.

Theophilos succeeded his father Michael II as Byzantine emperor. He was the last emperor to actively support iconoclasm. His reign was marked by military campaigns against the Arabs and cultural patronage.

Theophilos continued the iconoclast policies of his predecessors, persecuting icon venerators. He ordered the execution of the painter Lazarus and the exile of the monk Theodore the Studite. His death in 842 ended the iconoclast period.

Theophilos led several campaigns against the Abbasid Caliphate, including a major expedition in 838 that resulted in the sack of the Byzantine city of Amorium. The loss of Amorium was a significant blow to Byzantine prestige.

Theophilos built the Bryas Palace near Constantinople, modeled after Arab palaces he admired. The palace featured elaborate gardens, fountains, and mosaics. It reflected his interest in Islamic culture and architecture.