Genobaud (3rd century)

Genobaud, also called Gennobaudes or Genebaud, was a Frankish petty king in the 3rd century.

Little is known about Genobaud. Germanic raids around the area of modern-day Trier had provoked a Roman counteroffensive, which took place between 287 and 289 under emperor Maximian. Maximian crossed the Rhine multiple times to confront the attackers. In this context, the submission of Genobaud is mentioned. He concluded a treaty with Rome and recognized Roman supremacy. In return, he was recognized by the Romans with the position of petty king.

In the Panegyric of 289, only the subjection of Genobaud is mentioned. In the Panegyric of 291, however, the Franci are first mentioned by a contemporary Roman source. The description in the Pangeyric of 291 fits well with the earlier description of Genobaud, which is why he is considered a Frank. Perhaps he was a leader of the Chamavi, but this is not certain.

A connection with the Frankish leader Genobaud of the fourth century is not provable, but possible.