Theodemir (Suebian king) facts for kids
Theodemir (also known as Theodemar) was an important king of the Suevi people in a region that is now part of Spain and Portugal. He ruled from around 561 until his death in 570. Theodemir was one of the first kings of his people to follow Chalcedonian Christianity, which is the main form of Christianity today.
He became king after Ariamir and is often seen as the ruler who helped his people change their religion from Arianism to the more widely accepted form of Christianity. He did this with the help of a famous religious leader named Martin of Dumio.
How the Suevi People Changed Their Religion
Historians have different ideas about exactly how the Suevi people changed their religion.
- Some old writings, like the Historia Suevorum by Isidore of Seville, say that King Theodemir quickly got rid of the Arian religion and brought his people to the Catholic faith.
- However, other historical records tell a slightly different story. John of Biclarum suggested that a Visigoth king named Reccared I helped both the Visigoths and the Suevi change their religion.
- Gregory of Tours wrote that a holy man named Martin of Tours helped the Suevi king Chararic convert.
- Records from the First Council of Braga suggest that Ariamir, who was king before Theodemir, was the first to allow Catholic meetings again.
Many experts have tried to combine these different stories. It's possible that the change happened over time, with different kings playing a part. Some think that Theodemir came after Ariamir and that Isidore's timeline might be a bit mixed up. Others have even wondered if Chararic and Theodemir were the same person, or if Theodemir and Ariamir were related. It seems like Theodemir played a big role in making sure his kingdom followed the new Christian faith.
Key Events During Theodemir's Rule
In 569, King Theodemir called an important meeting called the First Council of Lugo. This meeting helped to organize the church better by increasing the number of church districts in his kingdom.
Sadly, his rule ended in 570 when he was attacked by Leovigild, the Arian king of the Visigoths.
| Preceded by Ariamir |
King of Galicia 561–570 |
Succeeded by Miro |
See also
In Spanish: Teodomiro (rey suevo) para niños
