Sigeric facts for kids

Quick facts for kids King Sigeric
Imaginary portrait in the Museo del Prado, c. 1856
King of the Visigoths (usurpation)
In office August 15, 415 – August 22, 415
Preceded by	Athaulf
Succeeded by	Walha
Personal details
Born	Unknown
Died	August 22, 415

Sigeric was a Visigoth king who ruled for only seven days in the year 415 AD. He became king after a time of trouble among the Visigoths.

Who Was King Sigeric?

Sigeric became king on August 15, 415 AD. His rule was very short, lasting only until August 22, 415 AD. He was part of a group called the Amali family. This family was a rival to another important Visigothic family, the Balti.

How Sigeric Became King

Before Sigeric, the king was Athaulf. King Ataulf was seriously hurt and died in his palace in Barcelona. An attacker likely hurt him. This attacker might have been loyal to Sarus, a Gothic noble. Sarus was a personal enemy whom Ataulf had killed earlier.

After Ataulf's death, Sarus's group, the Amali, quickly made Sigeric king. Sigeric was Sarus's brother. This was not the usual way Visigothic kings were chosen. It was seen as taking power unfairly, which is called a usurpation.

Sigeric's Short Rule

During his very short time as king, Sigeric treated Ataulf's widow, Galla Placidia, very poorly. She was the daughter of the Roman Emperor Theodosius I and sister to Emperor Honorius.

After just seven days, Sigeric himself was killed. He was replaced by Walha, who was a relative of Ataulf.

Why Sigeric Was Different

Sigeric was an Amali, which was a rival group to the Balti family. Most Visigothic kings who came before and after him were from the Balti family. Because of this, and because his rule was so short and started unfairly, Sigeric is sometimes not included in the main lists of Visigothic kings.

See also

In Spanish: Sigerico para niños