Remismund facts for kids

Remismund (also known as Rimismund) was a Suevic king who ruled the region of Galicia (in what is now Spain and Portugal). He became king around 464 CE and ruled until his death in 469 CE.

Remismund was the son of another Suevic leader named Maldras. Early in his life, Remismund worked as an ambassador, traveling many times between Galicia and Gaul (modern-day France).

Becoming King

For about four years (from 460 to 464 CE), the Suevic people did not have one clear king. Instead, two different groups fought for power. One group followed a leader named Frumar, and another followed Rechimund.

When Remismund returned from one of his trips, he managed to unite the Suevic people. He was then recognized as their king. This happened after Frumar died. Some historians still debate if Frumar had become the only king before Remismund took over, or if Remismund only ruled part of the Suevic nation at first. Some people also think Remismund might be the same person as Rechimund.

Support from the Visigoths

Remismund's rule was confirmed when Theodoric II, the king of the Visigothic people, sent him gifts. These gifts included weapons and even a Gothic princess for Remismund to marry.

Some historical writings, like those by Jordanes, suggest that Theodoric II played a very big role in Remismund becoming king. Jordanes claimed that after Theodoric stopped a revolt by a leader named Aioulf, he allowed the Suevi to choose their own king, and they picked Remismund.

In 466 CE, Theodoric sent an envoy (a messenger or representative) named Salla to Remismund's court. Remismund might have also sent his own envoy, a noble from Galicia named Palagorius, to Theodoric. However, it's also possible that Palagorius went on his own private trip.

Remismund's Rule and Conflicts

Remismund was a strong leader who expanded his kingdom.

In 465 CE, his forces attacked and looted the city of Coimbra (or Conímbriga). Then, in 468 CE, he completely destroyed the city. During this attack, his army stole valuable goods from a rich family known as the Cantabri.

In 469 CE, the city of Lisbon was handed over to the Suevi. A local Roman citizen named Lusidius betrayed the city, allowing Remismund's forces to take control.

Also in 469 CE, Remismund started talks with the Roman Emperor Anthemius. He sent a large group of Suevic ambassadors, led by Lusidius, to meet with the Emperor.

Religious Changes

In 466 CE, Remismund asked the Gothic court to send an Arian missionary. Arianism was a type of Christianity that had different beliefs from the main Roman Christian church at the time.

The Goths sent a missionary named Ajax, who was from Gaul or Galatia. Ajax helped convert the Suevic noble families to Arianism. He also helped set up an Arian church in Galicia.

See also

In Spanish: Remismundo para niños