(also Lothar II). Born 584; died Oct. 18, 629. King of Neustria (584–613) and of the entire Frankish kingdom (from 613); member of the Merovingian dynasty.
After his victory over Brunhilda, Clotaire united the entire Frankish kingdom under his rule. He was forced to make concessions to the feudal aristocracy, whose strength had increased during his minority. In 614 he issued an edict confirming the land grants and judicial and administrative privileges that the largescale landowners had acquired from his predecessors. He also limited the title of count to members of the local landowning aristocracy. Clotaire appointed his son Dagobert king of Austrasia to satisfy the separatist demands of the Austrasian aristocracy.