Liuva II facts for kids
Liuva II was a king of the Visigoths, a powerful group of people who ruled parts of Spain and France long ago. He was born around 584 and died in June or July of 603. Liuva II was the son of King Reccared I. He became king of the Visigothic Kingdom in 601 when he was only about 18 years old. His kingdom included areas like Hispania (modern-day Spain), Septimania (part of modern-day France), and Galicia.
Liuva II's Time as King
Liuva II's time as king was very short, lasting only about two years. In the spring of 602, a powerful Goth named Witteric was put in charge of the army. His job was to fight against the Byzantines, who were another strong empire at the time.
Witteric was a clever leader. Once he had control of the army, he made sure to surround himself with people he trusted. Instead of fighting the Byzantines as he was told, Witteric used his army to turn against King Liuva II in the spring of 603.
Witteric and his supporters attacked the royal palace. They removed the young king from his throne. Witteric had the support of some important nobles who did not like Liuva II's family. To make sure Liuva II could never be king again, Witteric had his right hand cut off. This was a common punishment at the time to prevent someone from ruling. Sadly, Liuva II was later sentenced to death and executed in the summer of 603.
