Athaulf facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Athaulf |
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| King of the Visigoths | |
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| Reign | 411–415 |
| Predecessor | Alaric I |
| Successor | Sigeric |
| Born | c. 370 |
| Died | 415 |
| Spouse | 1) Unknown 2) Galla Placidia |
| Dynasty | Balti dynasty |
| Father | Athanaric |
| Religion | Arianism |
Athaulf (also called Athavulf or Ataulf) was a powerful king of the Visigoths. He ruled from 411 to 415 AD. During his time as king, he helped change the Visigothic people from a simple tribal group into an important political power in the late Roman Empire.
Contents
Life of King Athaulf
Becoming King
Athaulf became king after his brother-in-law, Alaric, died suddenly from a fever. The Visigoths chose Athaulf to be their new leader. His first decision was to stop the Goths from moving further south into Italy.
Dealing with Roman Emperors and Usurpers
At this time, the Western Roman Empire was facing many problems. A man named Constantine III had taken control of Gaul (modern-day France) and declared himself emperor. In 411, a Roman general named Constantius (who was the main military commander for Emperor Honorius) defeated Constantine III.
Athaulf and his Visigoths were still in Italy. In 412, Constantius put pressure on Athaulf. Athaulf decided to lead his people out of Italy and into Gaul. He took Galla Placidia, Emperor Honorius's half-sister, with him. She had been a captive of the Visigoths for some time.
Alliances and Conflicts in Gaul
Once in Gaul, Athaulf started talking with a new person who wanted to be emperor, named Jovinus. However, Athaulf then met Sarus, an old enemy of his family. Athaulf attacked Sarus, captured him, and had him killed.
Jovinus then made his brother, Sebastianus, a co-emperor without asking Athaulf. This made Athaulf angry. So, he decided to join forces with Emperor Honorius instead. Athaulf's Visigoths defeated Jovinus's troops. Sebastianus was captured and later executed. Athaulf then captured Jovinus, who was also executed.
Marriage to Galla Placidia
After these events, relations between Athaulf and Emperor Honorius got better. To make their alliance stronger, Athaulf married Galla Placidia in January 414. The wedding was a big Roman celebration with many gifts.
Athaulf's Vision for the Goths
Athaulf took control of important cities like Narbonne and Toulouse in 413. Even though he was an Arian Christian (a different form of Christianity from the Romans), he admired Roman culture. A historian named Orosius wrote down what Athaulf supposedly said about his goals:
- "At first, I wanted to completely get rid of the Roman Empire and turn all Roman lands into a Gothic empire."
- "I wanted the Roman world to become the Gothic world, and for me, Athaulf, to be as great as Caesar Augustus once was."
- "But I learned that the Goths are too wild to follow laws, and a state cannot exist without laws."
- "So, I chose a different path: to bring back the Roman name and power, but with Gothic strength."
- "I hope future generations will see me as someone who helped restore the Roman Empire, because I cannot change its basic nature."
This shows that Athaulf realized the Goths needed Roman laws and order to build a lasting kingdom.
Withdrawal to Hispania
Emperor Honorius's general, Constantius, continued to cause problems for Athaulf. Constantius blocked the ports in Gaul, making it hard for the Visigoths to get supplies. In response, Athaulf tried to make Priscus Attalus emperor again in 414. But Constantius's blockade was successful. In 415, Athaulf and his people had to move from Gaul into northern Hispania (modern-day Spain). Attalus was captured and sent away.
Athaulf and Galla Placidia traveled together. Sadly, their son, Theodosius, died when he was a baby in Hispania. This meant there would be no child from their marriage to unite the Roman and Visigothic lines.
Death and Aftermath
Athaulf's Assassination
In Hispania, Athaulf made a mistake. He hired a follower of the late Sarus, the man he had killed earlier. This follower secretly wanted revenge for Sarus's death. One day, while Athaulf was bathing in his palace in Barcelona, the man suddenly killed him. This ended Athaulf's reign.
Successors and Galla Placidia's Return
After Athaulf's death, Sigeric, Sarus's brother, became king. But he only ruled for seven days before he was also murdered. Wallia then became the new king of the Visigoths.
Under Wallia's rule, Galla Placidia was sent back to Ravenna, the Roman capital. In 417, Emperor Honorius encouraged her to marry again. Her new husband was Constantius, the Roman general who had been a strong enemy of the Goths.
Historical Sources
The main information we have about Athaulf comes from writers like Paulus Orosius, Hydatius (a bishop from Gallaecia), and Prosper of Aquitaine.
See also
In Spanish: Ataúlfo para niños
