Aioulf facts for kids
Aioulf (died June 457) was a king in Galicia starting in 456. He is sometimes also called Agiulf. There is some debate among historians about his exact story.
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Who Was Aioulf?
Aioulf became a leader in the region of Galicia around the year 456. He died in June 457. Some historians believe he might be the same Agiulf who executed a Roman ambassador named Censorius in 448. This happened in a city called Seville.
Different Stories About Aioulf
Historians have different accounts of how Aioulf became king and what happened to him. The two main sources are Hydatius and Jordanes.
Hydatius's Account
Hydatius was a historian who lived at the same time and in the same area as Aioulf. He wrote that Aioulf was a commander for the Visigoths. Their king was Theodoric II.
After Theodoric's army defeated the Suevi people, Aioulf left Theodoric's army. He stayed in Galicia. Aioulf hoped to become the new king of the Suevi people there.
Jordanes's Account
Another historian, Jordanes, wrote about Aioulf later. Jordanes said that Aioulf was a loyal follower of King Theodoric. Theodoric had appointed Aioulf to govern the Suevi.
However, Jordanes claimed that the Suevi people themselves encouraged Aioulf to try and become their king. Aioulf was then defeated by Theodoric's army. He was captured and executed.
Which Story is More Accurate?
Many historians believe Hydatius's story is more reliable. This is because Hydatius lived closer to the events. He also wrote his history at the same time these things were happening. Jordanes, on the other hand, lived further away and wrote later. His writings also sometimes showed a bias towards the Goths. For example, Jordanes said the Suevi were involved in betraying Theodoric. He also mentioned Suevic bishops, but the Suevi were not Christian at that time.
What Happened After Aioulf?
After Aioulf's death, the Suevi people chose a new king. His name was Remismund. King Theodoric accepted Remismund as the new ruler of the Suevi.
See also
In Spanish: Agiulfo para niños
