Iudila facts for kids
Iudila was a powerful Visigoth noble who declared himself king. He ruled for a short time between the years 631 and 633.
We know about Iudila mainly from two special coins called tremisses. These coins have the words "Iudila Rex" on them, which means "King Iudila." They were made in cities like Mérida (which was called Augusta Emerita back then) and Granada (called Iliberis). This tells us that his power was probably limited to the southern parts of the Visigothic kingdom.
Who Was Iudila?
Iudila was a Visigoth, a member of a Germanic people who ruled a large kingdom in what is now Spain and Portugal. He lived during a time when there was a lot of fighting and change among the Visigoth leaders.
A King for a Short Time
Iudila's time as king was very short. On December 5, 633, something big happened to him. He was excommunicated, which means the church officially removed him from its community. He also lost all his properties and wealth. This decision was made at an important meeting called the Fourth Council of Toledo.
Historians believe Iudila was part of the many rebellions that happened after King Suintila was removed from power. Iudila tried to become king at the same time Sisenand began his reign. We don't know much about Iudila's family or who he was connected to, but some people think he might have been related to the former king, Suintila. Most lists of Visigoth kings do not include Iudila, as they usually show Sisenand as the king starting from 631.
His Name and Background
According to a historian named Caroline Humphrey, Iudila might have been of Jewish origin. His birth name could have been Judah, or Yehudah in Hebrew. The Goths might have called him Judila, which means "Little Judah." This is an interesting idea about his background.
See also
In Spanish: Iudila para niños
