Wallia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Walha |
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| King of the Visigoths | |
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| Reign | 415–418 |
| Predecessor | Sigeric |
| Successor | Theodoric I |
| Died | 418 |
| Dynasty | Balti dynasty |
| Father | Possibly Athanaric I |
| Mother | Rocestes |
Wallia (also known as Walha) was a powerful king of the Visigoths, a Germanic people, from 415 to 418 AD. Born around 385 AD, he became known as a brave warrior and a smart leader. Wallia was chosen to be king after the previous kings, Athaulf and Sigeric, were killed in 415.
Contents
Wallia's Reign: Making Peace and Gaining Land
Wallia quickly worked to make peace with the Roman Empire, which was very powerful at the time. He made a special agreement, called a treaty, with Emperor Honorius. As a sign of this new friendship, Wallia returned Honorius's sister, Galla Placidia, to him.
The Visigoths Settle in Aquitaine
Because of this peace agreement, Wallia and the Visigoths received a large area of land called Aquitaine in 417 AD. This region, located in what is now France, became a new home for the Visigoths. They were considered official allies, or foederati, of the Roman Empire. Wallia set up his royal court in Toulouse, which then became the main city for the Visigoths for many years.
Fighting in Hispania
In 418 AD, Wallia showed his loyalty to the Roman alliance. He led his army into Hispania (modern-day Spain). There, his forces defeated the Siling Vandals, another Germanic group. They also greatly reduced the number of Alans, forcing the remaining Alans to join with Gunderic, the king of the Asding Vandals.
Wallia's Family and Legacy
Some historical records suggest that Wallia was connected to the famous Visigothic leader Alaric I through marriage. After Wallia's death, Theodoric I, who was Alaric's son or son-in-law, became the next king. Wallia also had a daughter who married Rechila, the King of the Suevi. Their son was Ricimer, a very influential general in the Roman Empire. Wallia's daughter was also the mother-in-law of Gundowech, the King of the Burgundians.
Wallia is sometimes thought to be the inspiration for a legendary hero named Walter of Aquitaine.
Wallia's Death
It is not clear exactly when or where Wallia died, as there are no specific historical records about it. He seems to have passed away after his military campaign in Hispania, either in battle or from another unknown cause. Theodoric I began his rule in 418 AD, but the exact date Wallia died in that year is not known.
See also
- In Spanish: Walia para niños
