Tulga facts for kids

An imagined painting of Tulga, created in 1854.

Tulga was a Visigothic king who ruled parts of what is now Spain and Portugal. He was king of Hispania, Septimania, and Galicia. Tulga ruled from about 640 to 642 AD. He became king after his father, Chintila. Tulga tried to make the kingship stay in his family, but this did not work out.

The Reign of King Tulga

Tulga's time as king was quite short. Some records say he started ruling in 639 and ended in 641. Others say his rule was from 640 to 642. It is hard for historians to know the exact dates.

A New King Rises

In 642, a powerful Gothic leader named Chindasuinth started a rebellion. He was very old, possibly 79 years old. Chindasuinth was in charge of the area near the Basques. He saw that King Tulga's power was weak. A group of important Gothic nobles and other people gathered in a place called Pampalica. This was probably modern Pampliega. They announced Chindasuinth as the new king. The church did not support this decision at first.

What Happened to Tulga?

One historian, Sigebert of Gembloux, wrote about Tulga's end. He said that Chindasuinth removed Tulga from power in Toledo. Tulga was then tonsured, which means his head was shaved. This was a sign that he would become a monk. He was sent to live in a monastery. Monks could not become king, so this made sure Tulga could not rule again.

However, another important person, Saint Ildephonsus of Toledo, told a different story. He said that Chindasuinth's rebellion failed because the church did not support it. According to him, Chindasuinth only became king after Tulga died naturally. Today, historians find it very difficult to know which story is true.

See also

In Spanish: Tulga para niños