Hilderic facts for kids
Hilderic (born in the 460s, died 533) was the second-to-last king of the Vandals and Alans. He ruled their kingdom in North Africa from 523 to 530. Even though he died before the Vandal Kingdom was defeated in 534, his actions played a big part in its downfall.
Hilderic's Family and Beliefs
Hilderic was the grandson of Genseric. Genseric was the person who started the Vandal kingdom in Africa. Hilderic's father was Genseric's son, Huneric. His mother was Eudocia. She was the daughter of the Roman Emperor Valentinian III.
Most Vandals followed a Christian belief called Arianism. They often treated people who followed Chalcedonian Christianity poorly. However, Hilderic preferred Chalcedonian Christianity. This was the religion of his mother. Because of his different religious views, his becoming king was not popular with everyone.
Hilderic's Time as King
Hilderic became king and soon after, he put Amalafrida in prison. She was the widow of the previous king. Hilderic avoided a war with her brother, Theoderic the Great. This was only because Theoderic, who was a Gothic king, died in 526.
Hilderic's rule was known for having good relations with the Eastern Roman Empire. The historian Procopius wrote about this. He said Hilderic was a very close friend of Justinian. Justinian later became emperor. They often exchanged expensive gifts.
Hilderic also allowed a new Chalcedonian bishop to lead in Carthage. Carthage was the Vandal capital city. Many Vandals started to switch to Chalcedonian Christianity. This worried the Vandal noble families.
By the time Hilderic became king, he was already quite old. He was likely in his fifties or even over 60. Because of his age, Procopius says he was not very interested in military actions. He let other family members handle these duties. Procopius specifically mentioned Hilderic's nephew, Hoamer.
The End of Hilderic's Rule
After ruling for seven years, Hilderic faced a rebellion. His cousin, Gelimer, led the people in this revolt. Gelimer then became the new King of the Vandals and Alans. He brought back Arianism as the official religion of the kingdom.
Gelimer put Hilderic in prison. Hoamer and his brother Euagees were also imprisoned. But Gelimer did not kill Hilderic right away. Emperor Justinian protested Gelimer's actions. He demanded that Gelimer give the kingdom back to Hilderic.
Gelimer sent away the people who brought this message. He blinded Hoamer and put Hilderic and Euagees in even stricter confinement. Gelimer claimed they had planned to overthrow him. When Justinian sent another message, Gelimer replied that Justinian had no right to make such demands.
Justinian was very angry. He quickly ended his war with the Sassanian Empire. He then prepared an army to attack the Vandals in 533. When Gelimer found out the Roman army had arrived, he had Hilderic murdered. Euagees and other supporters of Hilderic who were imprisoned were also killed.
