Gregory of Tours (Gregorius Turonensis)

(538-594)
Real name - George Florence, born in a noble family in Avgustonemetume (now Clermont-Ferrand) 30 November 538, was brought up at his uncle, St.. Galla. He made a pilgrimage to the relics of St.. Martin of Tours in 563. He was ordained to the diaconate. He remained with his cousin Efron, bishop of Tours, who took office after his death in 573. The election was approved Sigebertom I, King of Austrasia. Two years later Sigebert was killed, and Gregory had to deal with the seizure Tour King of Neustria Chilperic I, who allowed himself to attack on church. Sharply negative attitude to the King resulted in 580 to the prosecution on charges of insulting the Queen Fredegund, . but Gregory is not only able to stave off the charges before the Church Council in Bern, . but won the confidence of the King, . becoming as a result of his advisor,
. In the 585 Tour is once again under the rule of Austrasia and son Sigeberta Childebert II. Gregory became an influential figure at court, and lived to see the day when Childebert took possession of Burgundy (593).
Gregory, who is sometimes called the father of French history, was a prolific author. His most important work - consisting of 10 books History francs (Historia francorum), the last five books devoted to the time in which he lived. Gregory tried to maintain objectivity, but condemned those kings, especially Chilperic, who allowed themselves to attacks on the church, and glossed over the unseemly behavior and even crime other rulers. Among his works - the lives of bishops, hermits, and abbots of Gaul, treatises on miracles. Gregory of Tours died 17 November 594 and was soon after the death of canonized saints.