Battle of Vincy

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The Battle of Vincy (Vincy is now called Les Rues-des-Vignes) was fought at Vincy, near Cambrai, in the modern département of Nord. It was a contest between Charles Martel and the Austrasians on one side and the king of the Franks, Chilperic II, and his mayor of the palace, Ragenfrid, on the other.

Chilperic and Ragenfrid returned defeated to Neustria after the Battle of Amblève.

Instead of following them at once, Charles again used tactics he would use all his remaining life, in a career of absolute success. He took time to rally more men and prepare, before descending in full force. He chose where to provoke them to battle, and, at a place and time of his choosing, in Spring 717, Charles eventually followed them and dealt them a serious blow at Vincy on 21 March. He chased the fleeing king and mayor to Paris.

On this success, he proclaimed one Clotaire IV king of Austrasia in opposition to Chilperic and deposed the bishop of Rheims, Rigobert, replacing him with one Milo. The defeated Chilperic II, and his mayor of the palace, Ragenfrid, were essentially broken after this battle.

[edit] Sources

  • Oman, Charles. The Dark Ages, 476–918. London: Rivingtons, 1914.