Hunimund facts for kids

Hunimund (born around 395 AD, died after 469 AD) was an important leader of a group of people called the Suebi. He was sometimes called a "dux" (a military leader) and sometimes a "rex" (a king). He lived during a time when many different groups of people were moving around Europe.

Who Was Hunimund?

Hunimund was a leader of the Suebi, a Germanic tribe. He lived in the 5th century, a time of big changes in Europe. Many different groups were fighting for land and power. Hunimund played a part in some of these important events.

Fighting the Huns

In 454 AD, Hunimund joined forces with another leader named Ardaric. They fought against the powerful Huns at a big battle called the Battle of Nedao. After this battle, Hunimund started a small kingdom. It was in an area where the Marcomanni and Quadi tribes used to live. This kingdom did not last for a very long time.

Battles and Raids

Later, in 469 AD, Hunimund and his allies, the Sciri, fought against the Ostrogoths. The Ostrogoths were led by their kings, Valamir and Theodemir. This battle was called the Battle of Bolia. The Ostrogoths won this fight. They took control of the land that belonged to the Sciri and Quadi tribes.

After this defeat, Hunimund escaped to the Harz Mountains. There, he led a small group of raiders. They would travel far and wide, sometimes attacking towns. One time, Hunimund and his group attacked a town called Batavis. Most people were busy harvesting crops. Hunimund's group killed forty guards who had stayed in the town.

A Surprising Adoption

Hunimund also led a group of Suebian raiders who stole cattle. They took many cows that belonged to the Goths from a region called Dalmatia. On their way back home, near Lake Balaton, they were attacked. Theodemir's men surprised them while they were sleeping.

Hunimund and his men had to surrender. They were taken as prisoners. But something surprising happened. Theodemir decided to adopt Hunimund as his own son. He then set Hunimund and his men free.

Final Conflicts

Even though Theodemir had adopted him, Hunimund did not stay peaceful. He and his Sciri allies soon started fighting the Goths again. During one of these fights, Valamir, another Ostrogothic king, was killed. He fell off his horse during the attack.

Hunimund then joined with another Scirian leader named Alaric. They also teamed up with the Sarmatians and other tribes. They invaded a region called Pannonia. However, Theodemir fought them in a very bloody battle. Hunimund and his allies were defeated in this final conflict.

See also

In Spanish: Hunimundo para niños