Recceswinth facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Recceswinth |
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| King of the Romans | |
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Votive crown of Recceswinth, as found in the treasure of Guarrazar, Spain.
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| Reign | 20 January 649 – 1 September 672 |
| Coronation | 20 January 649 |
| Predecessor | Chindasuinth |
| Successor | Wamba |
| Co-king | Chindasuinth (20 January 649 – 30 September 653) |
| Died | 1 September 672 |
Recceswinth (died 1 September 672) was a Visigothic king who ruled parts of what is now Spain and France. He became king in 649, first sharing power with his father, Chindasuinth. After his father's death in 653, Recceswinth ruled alone until his own death in 672. He is most famous for creating an important set of laws.
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What's in a Name?
Recceswinth's name comes from the old Gothic language. It is believed to mean something like "strong king." His name was spelled in different ways over time. For example, on his special crown, it was written in Latin as RECCESVINTHVS.
King Recceswinth's Rule
King Recceswinth's time as ruler was mostly peaceful for 19 years, from 653 to 672. There was one short rebellion led by a Goth named Froya and a group called the Vascons. They caused trouble in the Ebro Valley and attacked the city of Saragossa. Recceswinth quickly stopped the rebellion and defeated Froya.
New Laws for Everyone
In 654, Recceswinth created a very important set of laws called the Liber Iudiciorum. This new law code replaced older laws and applied to everyone in the kingdom, both Goths and the local Hispano-Romans. These laws were based more on old Roman laws than on traditional Germanic rules.
The Liber Iudiciorum also included new rules about religious practices. For example, it changed how Jewish people could practice their religion, making some of their traditions against the law.
Church and Government
During Recceswinth's reign, church councils in the capital city of Toledo became very powerful. The bishops, who were leaders of the church, had a lot of influence in the government. They often worked with the nobles in the ruling councils. Even though the king was in charge, these councils helped choose him and made sure he followed certain policies.
Recceswinth died on 1 September 672. This was just before the first Arab raids began in the area of Hispania Baetica.
Recceswinth's Votive Crown
The votive crown of Recceswinth is a beautiful example of Visigothic art. It was found as part of the Treasure of Guarrazar. This treasure included several crowns and crosses that kings of Toledo had offered to the church. The treasure was discovered between 1858 and 1861 near Toledo, Spain.
Recceswinth's crown is now kept in the National Archaeological Museum of Spain in Madrid. It is made of gold and precious stones. The crown is famous for its amazing craftsmanship. Hanging from its base are gold letters that spell out in Latin: RECCESVINTHVS REX OFFERET, which means "King Receswinth offered it."
See also
