Balt dynasty facts for kids
The Balt dynasty was the first ruling family of the Visigoths. They led the Visigoths into the Western Roman Empire as it was becoming weaker. The Balt kings ruled from 395 to 531.
Historians say the Balt family was named for its bravery. The name "Baltha" means "bold" in the old Gothic language.
Who Were the Balt Kings?
The Visigoths became a strong nation under Alaric I. He was the first known Balt king, starting his rule in 395. Alaric I is famous for leading his people to sack the city of Rome in 410.
His family continued to rule for many years. However, their rule ended in 531 when Amalaric, the last Balt king, died.
Challenges and Changes
The Visigoths faced big challenges. In 507, the Franks defeated them at the Battle of Vouillé. This battle caused the Visigoths to lose most of their kingdom.
In 511, Theoderic the Great, the king of the Ostrogoths, stepped in. He removed the Balt king Gesalec from power. Theoderic then ruled the Visigoths himself until he died in 526. After his death, Amalaric became king. Many people believe Theoderic's actions saved the Visigothic kingdom. But it also meant the end of the Balt dynasty's direct rule.
After 531, the way kings were chosen changed. Before, the Balt kings had their own private wealth. This wealth helped them stay in power. But after the dynasty ended, this private wealth became the royal treasury. It was now state property, belonging to the kingdom, not just the king. Kings were no longer chosen because they were part of a certain family. Instead, they were elected until the Visigothic kingdom fell in 711.
List of Balt Rulers
- Alaric I (395–410)
- Ataulf (410–415)
- Wallia (415–419)
- Theodoric I (419–451)
- Thorismund (451–453)
- Theodoric II (453–466)
- Euric (466–484)
- Alaric II (484–507)
- Gesalec (507–511)
- Amalaric (526–531)
See also
In Spanish: Baltingos para niños
