Agila I facts for kids

Agila, also known as Agila I or Achila I (died March 554), was a Visigothic King. He ruled parts of what is now Spain (called Hispania back then) and Septimania (a region in modern-day France) from 549 to March 554. Agila became king during a time of great trouble. After the last king from the old royal family died, many powerful Gothic nobles started fighting to become the next king. It was a period of civil war, meaning people from the same country were fighting each other.

Agila became king after the previous ruler, Theudigisel, was killed. Theudigisel had only been king for less than two years. However, Agila soon faced many challenges and people who opposed his rule.

Challenges to Agila's Rule

The Revolt of Córdoba

One of the first big problems for Agila was a revolt in the city of Córdoba. Some people believe this happened because the local Roman Catholic Christians were unhappy with Agila, who followed a different Christian belief called Arianism. During the conflict, Agila's son was killed, and most of his army was defeated. Agila also lost the royal treasury, which held all the kingdom's money and valuable items.

Other Rebellions

Agila faced other groups who rebelled against him. For example, a local leader named Aspidius took control of a mountainous area. In another region called Cantabria, landowners created their own "senate" (a type of governing council) to manage their affairs. There were also groups called the Sappi and Suani who rebelled.

War with Athanagild

The most important person who rebelled against Agila was Athanagild. His open revolt started in 551, after Agila's defeat in Córdoba. Agila and Athanagild's armies fought near Seville, where Agila was defeated again.

At this point, a third powerful group joined the conflict: the Byzantine Empire. It's not completely clear who asked for their help. Some historical accounts suggest Athanagild called on the Byzantines for support, while others hint that Agila might have asked them for assistance. The Byzantine army arrived in southern Spain in 552.

Agila's Death

During this three-sided conflict, King Agila was killed. According to historical records, his own people killed him. They saw how much destruction Agila's wars were causing as he tried to stay in power. They were also worried that the Roman (Byzantine) soldiers might invade Spain even more, using the excuse of helping in the war. After Agila's death, Athanagild was accepted as the new king.

Sources

See also

In Spanish: Agila I para niños