Gundobadus

Gundobadus was a king of the Burgundians. He reigned from approximately 480 to 516 AD. His reign is significant for the promulgation of the Lex Burgundionum, also known as the Lex Gundobada. This was a collection of laws that applied to the Burgundian people and was a crucial step in codifying Burgundian law, blending Germanic customs with Roman legal principles.

He was the son of Gunderic and nephew of the first King of the Burgundians, Gundioc. Upon his father's death, Gundobadus initially shared the kingdom with his brothers, Godegisel, Chilperic II, and Gundomar. However, he eventually eliminated his brothers, consolidating power and becoming the sole ruler of the Burgundian kingdom, which was centered in the Rhône Valley.

Gundobadus was known for his diplomatic and military skills, navigating complex relationships with neighboring powers, particularly the Franks and the Ostrogoths. He maintained a degree of independence for his kingdom for a period, though it was ultimately absorbed into Frankish territory. His reign marks a period of consolidation and legal development for the Burgundians before their eventual decline as an independent entity. The Lex Burgundionum continued to influence legal traditions in the region for centuries.