Theodoric II facts for kids
Theodoric II (born around 426 AD, died early 466 AD) was an important king of the Visigoths, a powerful Germanic people. He ruled from 453 AD until 466 AD. In Spanish and Portuguese, his name is Teodorico. He was the eighth king of the Visigoths.
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Becoming King
Theodoric II was the son of Theodoric I, who was also a Visigothic king. Theodoric II became king after a conflict with his older brother, Thorismund, who was the previous king. This change in leadership happened in 453 AD.
His Reign and Conflicts
Theodoric II's time as king was full of important events and battles. He often had to deal with the Western Roman Empire, which was still a major power at the time.
Battles with the Roman Empire
In 458 AD, the Western Roman Emperor, Majorian, led his army into a region called Septimania. This area was important to both the Romans and the Visigoths. Majorian wanted to take Septimania back for the Roman Empire.
The Roman forces fought Theodoric's army at the Battle of Arelate. The Romans won this battle. Because of this defeat, the Visigoths had to give up Septimania and move west into Aquitania. They also had to agree to a new peace deal with the Romans. This agreement meant the Visigoths had to give back lands they had recently taken in Hispania (modern-day Spain). They also had to return to being "federates," which meant they were allies of Rome but also under Roman authority.
Regaining Lost Lands
However, things changed a few years later. After Emperor Majorian died in 461 AD, Theodoric II quickly took back Septimania. He also started to invade Hispania again.
Theodoric II then joined forces with a powerful Roman general named Ricimer and the new Roman emperor, Libius Severus. They were against another Roman general named Aegidius, who had been a close ally of Majorian.
Theodoric's army fought Aegidius's forces near a city called Aurelianum. Theodoric's army was defeated in this battle. Sadly, Theodoric's brother, Frederic, died during this fight. This event had a big impact on who would become king after Theodoric.
End of His Rule
Theodoric II's reign ended in 466 AD. He was succeeded by his younger brother, Euric, who became the next king of the Visigoths.
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