Witteric facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Witteric |
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| King of the Visigoths | |
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| Reign | June/July 603 – April 610 |
| Predecessor | Liuva II |
| Successor | Gundemar |
| Born | c. 565 |
| Died | April 610 Toledo |
| Burial | Toledo |
| Issue | Ermenberga (born c. 590) |
| Religion | Arian; possibly Chalcedonian Christianity after 589 |
Witteric (born around 565 – died April 610) was a Visigoth King. He ruled the lands of Hispania (modern-day Spain and Portugal), Septimania (part of modern France), and Galicia. His time as king lasted from 603 to 610.
How Witteric Became King
Witteric first appears in history in 589. He was involved in a plan with a bishop named Sunna to bring back a different Christian belief called Arianism. We don't know what happened to Witteric after this, but Sunna was sent away.
In 602, Witteric was put in charge of the army. His job was to remove the Byzantines from the land. However, in the spring of 603, Witteric used his army for a different purpose. He led his troops against the young King Liuva II. Witteric had the support of some important nobles who were against the king's family. He took over the royal palace and removed the king from power. Witteric then had King Liuva II killed in the summer of 603. After this, Witteric became the new king.
Witteric's Time as King
During Witteric's rule, the Visigoths fought against the Byzantines. However, a historian named Isidore of Seville didn't think Witteric achieved much. Isidore wrote that Witteric often fought Roman soldiers but didn't win much glory. He only managed to capture some soldiers at Sagunto with the help of his generals. This battle at Sagunto likely happened in 605. It's also believed that the city of Bigastrum (near Cartago Nova) was taken during his reign.
Witteric also tried to make a marriage alliance for his daughter, Ermenberga. In 606, King Theodoric II wanted to marry Ermenberga. His messengers promised she would be treated well. Ermenberga traveled to meet Theodoric. But Theodoric's grandmother, Brunhilda, and his sister, Teudila, did not welcome her. Theodoric then sent Ermenberga back home without her dowry (the wealth she brought to the marriage).
Witteric was very angry about this. He formed a powerful alliance with three other rulers: Theodobert II of Austrasia, Clotaire II of Neustria, and Agilulf of the Lombards. They all feared Theodoric and wanted to remove him from power. However, this alliance didn't achieve its goal. Theodoric found out about their plan but didn't seem worried by it.
Witteric's Death
In April 610, a group of Catholic nobles planned against Witteric. They killed him during a large dinner. His body was treated badly and dragged through the streets. He was later buried without the usual honors given to a king. After Witteric's death, the nobles chose Gundemar, who was a duke, to be the new king.
See also
In Spanish: Witerico para niños
