The Vandals, Suevi and Visigoths were three of the co-called barbarian tribes which originated in eastern Europe and migrated westwards, eventually settling in the Iberian peninsular where they established the first Hispanic monarchies. The Chronicon of Bishop Idatius records that “Alani et Wandali et Suevi” entered Spain in 409, adding in a later passage that the Vandals occupied Galicia, the Suevi “sitam in extremitate Oceani maris occidua”, and the Alans “Lusitaniam et Carthaginensem provincias”, in 411[1]. An introduction to each is set out in the three chapters of this document. No information has so far been found about the family relationships of the leaders of the Alan people who are not therefore treated in this document. The Chronicon of Bishop Idatius records that the Alans were defeated by the Goths in 418 and their leader “Atace Rege” killed[2].

Chapter 1. KINGS of the VANDALS, in SPAIN [409]-429 and AFRICA 429-533

The Vandals, then living around the river Vistula in Silesia, migrated towards the banks of the river Rhine in the 3rd century[3]. In conjunction with the Suevi and the Alans, the Vandals crossed the Rhine in 406, taking advantage of Rome's decision to divert troops from the area to fight the Visigoths in Italy. The Vandals, Alans and Suevi proceeded to sack southern France, and threatened the Iberian peninsula. Dissatisfied with the inability of Emperor Honorius to contain the threat, the army elected Emperor Constantine III who established his base at Arles in Summer 408. Emperor Constantine sent his son Constantius into Spain, together with General Maximus who declared himself emperor[4]. With the Roman authorities distracted by the struggle between the rival emperors, the barbarian forces entered Spain in 411 and started to settle in small numbers. The Vandals settled in the interior of Galicia, the Alans in Lusitania[5]. The Chronicon of Bishop Idatius records that “Alani et Wandali et Suevi” entered Spain in 409, adding in a later passage that the Vandals occupied Galicia, the Suevi “sitam in extremitate Oceani maris occidua”, and the Alans “Lusitaniam et Carthaginensem provincias”, in 411[6]. The Vandals' need for territory increased as they absorbed local populations. They first attacked the neighbouring areas around Orense held by the Suevi, but eventually directed their attention to the south of Spain[7]. Their control over the southern coastline enabled the Vandals to migrate en masse into North Africa in 429, although what triggered this migration is not known with certainty. The Byzantines conquered the land of the Vandals in Africa during the reign of Emperor Justinian I (527-565), consolidating their power in coastal strongholds such as Tripoli and Carthage. They neglected their landward defences which, from the mid-7th century, facilitated the conquest of these Byzantine lands by the Muslims.

GODEGISL -406, GUNDERIC 406-427

RADAGAISUS the Vandal, son of ---.

m CELLA, daughter of ---. The primary source which confirms her marriage has not yet been identified.

Radagaisus & his wife had one child:

1. GODEGISL (-406). The primary source which confirms his parentage has not yet been identified. King of the Vandals. m FLORA, daughter of ---. The primary source which confirms her parentage has not yet been identified. Concubine: ---. The name of Godegisl's concubine is not known. Godegisl and his wife had one child:

a) GUNDERIC (-427). Procopius records that “eius filii Gontharis, ex iusta ipsi uxore natus” succeeded after “Godigisclo” died[8]. He succeeded his father in 406 as GUNDERIC King of the Vandals. Isidor's Historia Gothorum, Wandalorum, Sueborum names "Gundericus" as first Vandal king in Spain[9]. Gregory of Tours names Gunderic as king of the Vandals who left their homeland and invaded Gaul before attacking Spain[10]. General Maximus, who led the army of anti-Emperor Constantine III in Spain, invited the Vandals, along with other barbarian peoples, across the Pyrenees in 409 in a personal bid for power but soon found himself overrun[11]. The Chronicon of Bishop Idatius records that “Alani et Wandali et Suevi” entered Spain in 409[12]. Gunderic and his people settled in Galicia. They expanded into land held by the Suevi, continuing to support Maximus as anti-Emperor, although the latter was defeated by combined Roman and Visigothic forces in 422. The Vandals turned their attention to southern Spain where they imposed their control from Cadiz to Alicante. Gunderic died after conquering Seville[13]. m ELISA, daughter of ---, from Granada. The Victoris Vitensis Historia records that Gaiseric killed his brother's wife by weighing her down with a stone and throwing her into the river Cirtensis at Amsaga, before killing her sons, although neither the brother nor the brother's wife are named[14]. The primary source which confirms her name has not yet been identified. Gunderic & his wife had one child:

i) GELIMER ([425]-). The primary source which confirms his parentage has not yet been identified. m EURICA, daughter of [ADULPHUS King of the Goths in Spain]. The primary source which confirms her parentage and marriage has not yet been identified.

Godegisl had one illegitimate son by his concubine:

b) GENSERIC [Gaiseric] ([400]-477). Procopius names “Gizerichus notus” as son of “Godigisclo”[15]. Isidor's Historia Gothorum, Wandalorum, Sueborum names "Gesericus frater Gunderici" when recording that he succeeded the latter as Vandal king in Spain[16]. He succeeded his half-brother in 427 as GENSERIC King of the Vandals.

- see below.

GENSERIC 427-477, HUNERIC 477-484, GUNDAMUND 484-496, THRASAMUND 496-523, HILDERIC 523-530, GAILAMIR 530-533

GENSERIC [Gaiseric], illegitimate son of GODEGISL King of the Vandals & his concubine --- ([400]-477). Procopius names “Gizerichus notus” as son of “Godigisclo”[17]. He succeeded his half-brother in 427 as GENSERIC King of the Vandals. Isidor's Historia Gothorum, Wandalorum, Sueborum names "Gesericus frater Gunderici" when recording that he succeeded the latter as Vandal king in Spain[18]. The Vandals crossed into North Africa en masse in May 429, although what prompted this move is unclear[19]. The Chronicon of Bishop Idatius records that “Gaisericus Rex…cum Wandalis omnibus” left “Bæticæ Provinciæ litore” and went “ad Mauritaniam et Africam” in May 429[20]. According to Iordanes, the Romans lost the province of Africa to the Vandals "per Bonifatium"[21], although this does not explain why they arrived there in the first place. The exploits in Africa of "Geiserici ducis" are described in detail in the Victoris Vitensis Historia[22]. He conquered Hipona in 429, and Carthage in 439, where they established their capital. The Vandal nobles rebelled against their leader in 442[23]. Genseric sacked Rome in 455. The Eastern Roman Empire's first expedition against the Vandals in Africa in 468, led by Basiliscus, brother-in-law of Emperor Leo I, failed despite numerical superiority[24]. The Vandal kingdom dominated the western Mediterranean with Corsica and Sardinia. King Genseric made an agreement with Odoacar King of Italy about Sicily, the latter retaining control over the island in return for yearly tribute[25]. The Victoris Tonnennensis Epsicopi Chronicon records the death in 464 of "Gensericum Wandalorum rex" after reigning for 40 years[26].

m ---. The names of Genseric's wife or concubines are not known.

Genseric had three children:

1. HUNERIC (-484). The Victoris Vitensis Historia names "Huniricus maior filius [Geiserici]" when recording that he succeeded on the death of his father[27]. He lived as a hostage at Ravenna in 442[28]. He succeeded his father in 477 as HUNERIC King of the Vandals in Africa. The Victoris Tonnennensis Epsicopi Chronicon records that "Hugnericus filius eius" succeeded his father in 464 and reigned for 7 years and 5 months[29]. The Victoris Vitensis Historia names him "rex Hunirix Wandalorum et Alanorum" when recording his exploits in Africa[30]. m firstly ([429] or after[31], repudiated 442) --- the Visigoth, daughter of THEODERIC I King of the Visigoths & his wife ---. The primary source which confirms her parentage and marriage has not yet been identified. She was sent back to her father at the time of the 442 revolt with her nose and ears mutilated[32]. m secondly ([455]) as her second husband, EUDOXIA, widow of PALADIUS, daughter of Emperor VALENTINIAN III, Emperor in the West & his wife Eudoxia. The Chronicon of Bishop Idatius records that Maximus arranged the marriage of “filio suo ex priore coniuge Palladio” and “Valentiniani filiam” in 455[33]. After the death of her father, his successor forced Eudoxia to marry his son, but she was captured by Genseric King of the Vandals during his attack on Rome and taken back to north Africa with her mother and sister[34]. Procopius names "Eudocia and Placidia" as children of "Eudoxia…and Valentinian", recording that Eudoxia was married to Huneric, the older son of Gaiseric, while the other daughter was the wife of Olybrius, a Roman senator[35]. The Chronicon of Bishop Idatius records that one daughter of Valentinian married “Gentoni Gaiserici filio” and the other “Olybrio Senatori Urbis Romæ”[36]. The Victoris Tonnennensis Epsicopi Chronicon records that "Hugnericus" married "Valentiniani filiam" who had been abducted from Rome in captivity[37]. Huneric & his second wife had one child:

a) HILDERIC ([480]-murdered 534). Iordanes names "Ilderich" as fifth Vandal king in Africa but does not specify his relationship to Thrasamund, his predecessor[38]. The Victoris Tonnennensis Epsicopi Chronicon records the succession in 523 of "Hilderix, qui ex Valentiniani imperatoris filia…et Ugnerico iuncta natus est" and that he reigned for 7 years and 3 months[39]. He succeeded [his presumed cousin] in 523 as HILDERIC King of the Vandals in Africa 523. He broke the Vandal alliance with Theodoric King of Italy, supporting the emperor at Constantinople instead[40]. He was deposed by his cousin Gailamir in 530. Iordanes records that Hilderic was deposed by "Gelimer" but does not specify the relationship between the two[41]. The Victoris Tonnennensis Epsicopi Chronicon records that Hilderic was deposed by "Gerlimer" in 531, imprisoned with his sons, and killed in 534 "cum quibusdam generis eius affinibus"[42]. m ---. The name of Hilderic's wife is not known. Hilderic & his wife had --- children:

i) sons (-murdered 534). The Victoris Tonnennensis Epsicopi Chronicon records that Hilderic was deposed by "Gerlimer" in 531, imprisoned with his sons, and killed in 534 "cum quibusdam generis eius affinibus"[43]. The number of sons is not known.

2. THEODERIC . The Victoris Vitensis Historia records that Huneric exiled "Theodericum fratrem filiosque eius" in order to ensure the succession of his sons[44]. m ---. The Victoris Vitensis Historia records the exile of Theoderic after his wife and sons were killed, although neither his wife nor his sons are named[45]. Theoderic & his wife had --- children:

a) sons . The Victoris Vitensis Historia records that Huneric exiled "Theodericum fratrem filiosque eius" in order to ensure the succession of his sons, although he does not name the sons of Theoderic, in a later passage recording that they were killed[46]. The number of sons is not known.

3. GENTO [Geiso] (after 420-before 484). The Victoris Vitensis Historia names "Gentunis" as brother of Huneric[47]. m ---. The name of Gento's wife is not known. Gento & his wife had four children:

a) GODAGIS . The Victoris Vitensis Historia names "Gentunis maiorem filium nomine Godagis" when recording that he was cruelly exiled by his paternal uncle Huneric "cum uxore absque solacio servuli aut ancillæ"[48].

b) GUNDAMUND (before 460-496). Laterculus regum Vandalorum et Alanorum names "Guntamundus Gentunis eiusdem Huneric regis fratris filius" when recording his accession and reign of 11 years[49]. He succeeded his uncle in 484 as GUNDAMUND King of the Vandals in Africa. Iordanes names "Gunthamundus" as third Vandal king in Africa but does not specify his relationship to Huneric, his predecessor[50]. After Theodoric the Ostrogoth forced Odovacar King of Italy to flee in 490, the Vandals considered themselves free from the treaty obligation relating to Sicily and attempted to conquer the island. Theodoric defeated the Vandals in Sicily in 491[51]. The Victoris Tonnennensis Epsicopi Chronicon records the death in 497 of "Gunthamundo Wandalorum rege Carthagine"[52].

c) THRASAMUND (before 460-523). Laterculus regum Vandalorum et Alanorum names "Trasamundus Gentunis filius" and "Trasamundus frater Guntamundi regis" when recording his accession and reign of 26 years[53]. Iordanes names "Thrasamundus" as fourth Vandal king in Africa but does not specify his relationship to Gundamund, his predecessor[54]. He succeeded [his presumed brother] in 496 as THRASAMUND King of the Vandals in Africa. The Victoris Tonnennensis Epsicopi Chronicon records that "Trasamundus" succeeded "Gunthamundo Wandalorum rege Carthagine" in 497 and reigned 27 years and 4 months[55]. He agreed an alliance with Theodoric King of Italy, confirmed by his marriage with the latter's sister, but failed to provide effective aid to the Ostrogoth king when he was attacked by the imperial navy in 507. He also supported Gesalic, pretender to the Visigothic throne, against King Amalric the grandson of King Theodoric. Gregory of Tours records the persecution of Christians by Thrasamund King of the Vandals and his imposition of Arianism on Spain[56], but his account is anachronistic as he places Thrasamund before Huneric and assumes that the former reigned before the Vandals emigrated from Spain to Africa. The Victoris Tonnennensis Epsicopi Chronicon records the death in 523 of "Trasamundus Wandalorum rex Carthagine"[57]. m ([500]) as her second husband, AMALAFRIDA, widow of ---, daughter of THEODEMIR King of the Ostrogoths in Pannonia (-murdered [523/25]). Iordanes names "Amalfridam germanam suam [Theoderici]" as the mother of "Theodehadi" and wife of "Africa regi Vandalorum…Thrasamundo"[58]. This marriage was arranged by her half-brother, Theodoric King of Italy, as part of his efforts to foster the support of the Vandals. Amalafrida's dowry was Lilybæum in western Sicily[59]. After the death of her husband, she unsuccessfully protested his successor's withdrawal of support from her brother, but she was outmanœuvred and killed[60]. The Victoris Tonnennensis Epsicopi Chronicon records that "uxor Amalfrida" fled after the death of her husband but was captured at Capsa and killed[61].

d) GAILAR [Gelaris] (before 460-before 523). Procopius names “Gelimer, Gelaridis filius, Genzonis nepos, pronepos Gizerici”[62]. m ---. The name of Gailar's wife is not known. Gailar & his wife had four children:

i) GAILAMIR [Gelimar] (-533). Procopius names “Gelimer, Gelaridis filius, Genzonis nepos, pronepos Gizerici”[63]. He succeeded in 530 as GAILAMIR King of the Vandals in Africa, after deposing his cousin Hilderic. A Byzantine army, led by Belisarius, conquered the Vandal Kingdom of Africa in 533, vanquishing Gailimar at Decimum and Tricamarum[64]. Gregory of Tours records that Gailamir "was broken in battle by the forces of the Roman Empire and ended his life and his reign at the same moment"[65].

ii) TZAZO . Procopius names “Tzazo…Gelimeris frater” when recording that he landed in Sardinia[66].

iii) [son .] m ---. One child:

(a) GIBAMUND . Procopius names “Gibamundum…ex fratre nepotem” of “Gelimer”[67].

iv) daughter . m ---. One child:

(a) son . Procopius names “Gelimeris…ex sorore nepos”[68].

Chapter 2. KINGS of the SUEVI in SPAIN 411-585

In conjunction with the Vandals and the Alans, the Suevi crossed the Rhine in 406, taking advantage of the Roman decision to divert troops from the area to fight the Visigoths in Italy. They proceeded to sack southern France. Dissatisfied with the inability of Emperor Honorius to contain the threat, the army elected Emperor Constantine III who established his base at Arles in Summer 408. Emperor Constantine sent his son Constantius into Spain, together with General Maximus who declared himself emperor[69]. With the Romans distracted by the struggle between the rival emperors, the barbarian forces started to settle in small numbers in Spain in 411, the Suevi establishing themselves along the coast of Galicia, while the Vandals settled in the interior of Galicia[70]. The Chronicon of Bishop Idatius records that “Alani et Wandali et Suevi” entered Spain in 409, adding in a later passage that the Vandals occupied Galicia, the Suevi “sitam in extremitate Oceani maris occidua”, and the Alans “Lusitaniam et Carthaginensem provincias”, in 411[71]. Gregory of Tours refers to "the Suebi, also called the Alamanni" when recording their capture of Galicia[72], suggesting a connection with the territory later known as Swabia but it is not known whether this is correct. After ruling the north-west corner of Spain for nearly two centuries, the Suevi territory was annexed by the Visigoths in 585.

HERMERICO 411-441, RECHILA 441-448, REQUIARIO 448-456

HERMANRICH [Hermerico] , son of --- (-441). Isidor's Historia Gothorum, Wandalorum, Sueborum records that "Suevi principe Hermerico" entered Spain with the Alans and Vandals[73]. He established himself as HERMERICO King of the Suevi in Spain after 411. He associated his son on the throne in 438 because of his serious illness[74]. The Chronicon of Bishop Idatius records that “Hermericus Rex” resigned the throne due to serious illness in favour of “Rechilam filium suum” in 438, adding in a later passage that he died in 441 after seven years of illness[75].

m ---. The name of Hermerico's wife or concubine is not known.

King Hermerico & his [wife] had one child:

1. RECHILA (-Aug 448). Isidor's Historia Gothorum, Wandalorum, Sueborum names "Riccila filius eius" when recording that he succeeded his father as Suevi king in Spain and reigned for 8 years[76]. He defeated Andevoto, a Vandal chief who had remained in Spain after the Vandals' mass exodus to Africa, at Genil in 437. The Chronicon of Bishop Idatius records that “Hermericus Rex” resigned the throne due to serious illness in favour of “Rechilam filium suum” in 438, although it is not certain whether he replaced his father entirely as a later passage records that he obtained “Bæticam et Carthaginensem Provincias” on his father´s death in 441[77]. He conquered Mérida in 439. He succeeded his father in 441 as RECHILA King of the Suevi in Spain. He conquered Seville in 441. Although he was defeated by Roman forces led by Vito in 446, the Romans were unable to prevent the Suevi from continuing to consolidate their position in Spain during the reign of King Rechila[78]. The Chronicon of Bishop Idatius records the death in Aug 448 of “Rechila Rex Suevorum”[79]. m ---. The name of Rechila's wife or concubine is not known. King Rechila & his [wife] had one child:

a) RICHGAR [Requiario] (-killed in battle Portugal Dec 456). Isidor's Historia Gothorum, Wandalorum, Sueborum names "Recciarius Reccilani filius" when recording that he succeeded the latter as Vandal king in Spain[80]. He succeeded his father in 448 as REQUIARIO King of the Suevi in Spain. The Chronicon of Bishop Idatius records the death in Aug 448 of “Rechila Rex Suevorum” and the succession of “filius suus Catholicus Rechiarius”[81]. He converted to Catholicism. He allied himself with the Visigoths of Toulouse in 449, confirmed by his marriage to the daughter of the Visigoth King. On his return from the wedding, King Requiario ravaged the area around Zaragoza and captured Ilerda[82]. Faced with continuing Suevi incursions into areas claimed by the Visigoths, the latter defeated the Suevi by the River Órbigo in Oct 456[83]. The Chronicon of Bishop Idatius records that “Rechiario” was killed in Dec 456 and that “Rex Theudoricus” succeeded “de Gallæcia ad Lusitaniam”[84]. The Chronicon Albeldense records that “Teudericus” entered Spain, defeated “Ricciarium Suevorum regem” in battle “Asturica apud Urbicum fluvium”, and pursued him into “Portucale” where he killed Requiario and captured “Bracarum”[85]. m (Toulouse 449[86]) --- of the Visigoths, daughter of THEODERIC I King of the Visigoths. Isidor's Historia Gothorum, Wandalorum, Sueborum records that "Recciarius Reccilani filius" married "Theuderedi regis Gothorum filia"[87]. The Chronicon of Bishop Idatius records that “Rechiarius” married “Theodoris Regis filia” in 449[88].

MALDRA 456-457, REQUIMUNDO 457-465, REMISMUNDO 465-469

1. MASSILA . m ---. The name of Massila's wife or concubine is not known. Massila & his [wife] had two children:

a) MALDRA (-killed Feb 460). He succeeded in 456 as MALDRA King of the Suevi in Spain. Isidor's Historia Gothorum, Wandalorum, Sueborum records that "Maldram Massilæ filium" succeeded as King of the Suevi in Spain after the death of Requiario but that he was soon killed[89]. The Chronicon of Bishop Idatius records that “Rechiario” was killed in Dec 456 and that “Rex Theudoricus” succeeded “de Gallæcia ad Lusitaniam” but that the Suevi “in extrema parte Gallæciæ” installed “Massiliæ filium…Maldram” as their king[90]. The Chronicon of Bishop Idatius records that “Maldras” was murdered in Feb 460[91].

b) son . The Chronicon of Bishop Idatius records that “Maldras” killed “germanium suum fratrem” in 459 and invaded “Portucale castrum”[92].

1. MASDRA . m ---. The name of Masdra's wife or concubine is not known. Masdra & his [wife] had two children:

a) REQUIMUNDO (-465). After the death of King Requiario, Suevi power in Spain disintegrated. Requimundo emerged as REQUIMUNDO King of the Suevi in Spain. Isidor's Historia Gothorum, Wandalorum, Sueborum records that, after Maldra was killed, "Frumarium et Reccimundum Masdræ filium" disputed the leadership of the Suevi in Spain[93].

b) FRUMARIO (-465). Isidor's Historia Gothorum, Wandalorum, Sueborum records that, after Maldra was killed, "Frumarium et Reccimundum Masdræ filium" disputed the leadership of the Suevi in Spain[94]. The Chronicon of Bishop Idatius records that “Frumarius” captured “Idatio Episcopo VII Kal Aug in Aquæflaviensi ecclesia” in 460[95]. The Chronicon of Bishop Idatius records that “Remismundus” united the Suevi in 465 after the death of “Frumario”[96].

1. REMISMUNDO, son of --- (-469). He enjoyed closed relations with the Visigoths after his marriage and was recognised as REMISMUNDO King of the Suevi in Spain in 465 by Theoderic II King of the Visigoths. Isidor's Historia Gothorum, Wandalorum, Sueborum records that, after the death of Frumario, "Remismundus" succeeded as king of the Suevi in Spain[97]. The Chronicon of Bishop Idatius records that “Remismundus” united the Suevi in 465 after the death of “Frumario”[98]. He rejected the Visigoth alliance in order to expand Suevi territories and captured Lisbon in 468[99]. After the death of King Remismundo, there are no contemporary sources which chronicle the succeeding kings of the Suevi until 561, which may indicate that their territory enjoyed a period of peaceful isolation from the rest of the Iberian peninsula[100]. [101]m ([465]) ---, a Visigoth. The primary source which confirms her origin and marriage has not yet been identified.

ARIAMIRO [558/59]-561, TEODEMIRO -570, MIRÓN 570-583, EBORICO 583, AUDICA 583-585

ARIAMIRIO, son of --- (-561). He succeeded in [558/59] as ARIAMIRO King of the Suevi at Braga. He facilitated the first Council of Braga in 561, reorganising the Suevi church following the monarch's conversion[102].

TEODEMIRO, son of --- (-570). He succeeded in 561 as TEODEMIRO King of the Suevi at Lugo. He divided his territories into two ecclesiastical provinces at the assembly at Lugo, Braga and Lugo, in 569[103].

m ---. The name of Teodemiro's wife or concubine is not known.

King Teodemiro & his [wife] had one child:

1. MIRÓN (-583). The primary source which confirms his parentage has not yet been identified. He succeeded his father in 570 as MIRÓN King of the Suevi at Lugo. The Iohannis Abbatis Biclarensis Chronica records that "Miro Suevorum rex" made war against "Runcones" in 572[104]. He made an alliance with Leovigildo King of the Visigoths in 579, but helped the latter's son Hermenegildo after he had rebelled and been captured in Seville. Gregory of Tours records that "Mir King of Galicia" supported Hermenegildo, son of Leovigildo King of the Visigoths, against his father but died immediately after returning to his own country[105]. King Mirón was himself captured and obliged to swear loyalty to the Visigothic king[106]. The Iohannis Abbatis Biclarensis Chronica records the death in 583 of "Miro Suevorum rex"[107]. m as her first husband, SISEGUTIA, daughter of ---. The Iohannis Abbatis Biclarensis Chronica records that "Audeca" succeeded in 584 "in Gallaccia Suevorum regnum" and married "Sisegutiam relictam Mironis regis"[108]. She married secondly (584) as his [second] wife, Audica, who had deposed King Eborico. King Mirón & his wife had two children:

a) EBORICO (-after 585). The Iohannis Abbatis Biclarensis Chronica names "Eboricus filius eius" when recording that he succeeded his father in 583 "in provincia Gallacciæ"[109]. Gregory of Tours names "Euric" as son of "Mir King of Galicia" when recording that he succeeded his father and sought to renew a pact with King Leovigildo[110]. He succeeded his father in 583 as EBORICO King of the Suevi at Lugo. He was deposed in 584 by Audica[111]. The Iohannis Abbatis Biclarensis Chronica records that he became a monk after he was deposed[112].

b) daughter . Gregory of Tours records that Audica, a relation of Euric, married the sister of the latter[113]. m as his [first] wife, AUDICA, son of ---.

AUDICA, son of --- (-585). Gregory of Tours records that Audica, a relation of Euric, married the sister of the latter and deposed his brother-in-law, before marrying the widow of his father-in-law[114]. He deposed King Eborico in 584, succeeded as AUDICA King of the Suevi. The Iohannis Abbatis Biclarensis Chronica records that "Audeca" succeeded in 584 "in Gallaccia Suevorum regnum" and married "Sisegutiam relictam Mironis regis"[115]. The Visigoths intervened in support of ex-King Eborico, defeated and deposed King Audica in 585, annexing the Suevi kingdom for themselves[116].

m [firstly] --- of the Suevi, daughter of MIRON King of the Suevi. Gregory of Tours records that Audica, a relation of Euric, married the sister of the latter[117].

m [secondly] (584) as her second husband, SISEGUTIA, widow of MIRÓN King of the Suevi, daughter of ---. The Iohannis Abbatis Biclarensis Chronica records that "Audeca" succeeded in 584 "in Gallaccia Suevorum regnum" and married "Sisegutiam relictam Mironis regis"[118].

Chapter 3. KINGS of the VISIGOTHS in SPAIN 531-711

TEUDIS 531-548, TEUDISELO 548-549, AGILA 549-554

1. TEUDIS, son of --- (-murdered [Toledo] 548). Iordanes names "Thiudem" as "armigerum" of Theodoric King of the Ostrogoths when recording that he was appointed tutor of King Amalric II[119]. Procopius records that “Theudis, natione Gotthus” was commander of King Theoderic´s armies in Spain[120]. Isidore of Seville records that Teudis was made king in Spain after Amalric, who had fled to Barcelona after he was defeated by Childebert King of the Franks[121]. He was elected in 531 to succeed as TEUDIS King of the Visigoths in Spain. Abandoning Narbonne completely, he established his court at Barcelona, Seville and Toledo[122]. The Franks captured Pamplona in 533 and in 541 besieged Zaragoza, where they eventually suffered a crushing defeat[123]. The Chronicon Albeldense records that “Tudis” maintained peaceful relations with the church “quamvis hæreticus” and established the bishopric in Toledo[124]. King Teudis adopted the title "Flavius Teudis", although this quasi-Roman pretension antagonised the nobility[125]. Isidore of Seville records that Teudis was murdered soon after the Goths attacked Ceuta[126]. The Chronicon Albeldense records that “Tudis” was killed during the reign of Emperor Justinian in his palace after reigning for 17 years[127]. The Chronica Regum Visigotthorum records that “Theudis” reigned for 16 years and six months, otherwise 17 years and five months[128]. m ---. The name of the wife of Teudis is not known. Procopius records that “Theudis, natione Gotthus” married "ex Hispania uxorem, non Visigottham genere, sed a sanguine indigenæ divitis" who was extremely rich[129]. Her dowry enabled Teudis to keep a private domestic force of 2,000 soldiers[130].

2. [---. It is not known whether Hildebad´s family relationship with King Teudis was through the latter´s brother or sister, although, if the word "avunculum" can be interpreted in its strict sense in the passage from Procopius quoted below, Hildebad´s mother would have been Teudis´s sister. m ---.] Two children:

a) HILDEBAD [Ildibald/Theodbald] (-murdered [May] 541). His family connection is confirmed by Procopius who records that “Gotthorum regem…Ildibadum” made war together with "Theudin avunculum Visogotthorum regem"[131]. He was the nephew of Teudis King of the Visigoths in Spain. At the fall of King Vitigis, he was in command of Verona. He was installed as HILDEBAD King of Italy by the Gothic army in 540, although considered a usurper by the empire and although he only controlled a small strip of land between Pavia and Verona. The Pauli Historiæ Romanæ records the accession of "Heldebadum" as king after the capture of Vitigis[132]. He conquered Treviso, installing his nephew as commander, and soon controlled Liguria and Venetia[133]. He moved his capital to Pavia in 540[134]. He was murdered by one of his personal retainers[135].

b) son . His parentage is confirmed by Procopius who records that “Totilas…Ildibadi ex fratre nepos” commanded the army at Treviso[136]. m ---. One child:

i) TOTILA [Baduila/Badua] (-killed in battle Busta Gallorum [Jun/Jul] 552). Procopius records that “Totilas…Ildibadi ex fratre nepos” commanded the army at Treviso[137]. He was installed as TOTILA King of Italy in Oct 541 by the Goths of Pavia after the death of King Eraric[138]. Iordanes records that "Baduila iuvenis nepus…Heldebadi" succeeded after Eraric was killed[139]. The Pauli Historiæ Romanæ records the accession of "Badullam qui et Totila dicebatur" as king[140]. King Totila routed a large Roman army at Faenza in 542, besieged Florence, moved into southern Italy and captured Naples in 543[141]. He began his first siege of Rome in Dec 545, tried again in 547, and finally captured the city in Jan 550. He was killed at the battle of Busta Gallorum against the Romans[142]. The Victoris Tonnennensis Episcopi Chronicon records that "Narses eunuchus" killed "Totilanem Gothorum regem" in battle in Italy in 554[143]. The Marii Episcopi Aventicensis Chronica records that "Baduila rex Gothorum" was killed in 553 "per Narsetem chartularium eunuchum"[144].

TEUDIGISEL [Teudiselo/Thiudigisclus], son of --- (-murdered Seville 549). A Visigothic general, he defeated the Franks at Zaragoza in 541[145]. He was elected in 548 to succeed as TEUDISELO King of the Visigoths in Spain. Isidore of Seville records that "Theudigisel was placed over the Goths" after Theudis was killed and ruled for one year before being killed in Seville at a feast[146]. Iordanes names "Thiudigisglosa" as successor of "Thiudem" but records that he ruled only a short time before being killed[147]. The Chronica Regum Visigotthorum records that “Theudisclus” reigned for one year, six months and thirteen days[148].

AGILA, son of --- (-murdered Mérida Mar 555). He was elected in 549 to succeed as AGILA King of the Visigoths. Iordanes names "Agil" as successor to King Teudiselo[149]. Córdoba rebelled against his rule in 550, and King Agila lost the royal treasure, a large part of his army, and his son in attempting to suppress the rebellion. He was obliged to retreat to Mérida[150]. King Agila was also faced with the rebellion by Atanagildo in Seville in 551, and was prevented from recapturing the city by Byzantine troops. Isidore of Seville records that Agila ruled for five years and was killed at Mérida by the Goths[151]. He was deposed by Atanagildo in 554 following the arrival of Byzantine reinforcements[152]. The Chronica Regum Visigotthorum records that “Agila” reigned for five years, six months and thirteen days[153].

m ---. The name of Agila's wife or concubine is not known.

Agila & his [wife] had one child:

1. son (-killed Córdoba 550). Isidore of Seville records that the (unnamed) son of Agila was killed while attempting to suppress the rebellion in Córdoba[154].

ATANAGILDO 554-568, LIUVA 568-573

Three brothers, parents not known.

1. ATANAGILDO ([520/25]-Toledo 568). His birth date range is estimated from the birth date range of his second daughter Brunechildis who gave birth to her first child shortly after her marriage in 566. Iordanes records that "Atanagildus" rebelled against King Agila[155]. Isidore of Seville records that Atanagildo was at Seville when Agila was killed by the Goths who "handed themselves over to the rule of Athanagild…in the era 592 (554)"[156]. He sought Byzantine support and was ceded the coastal territories between Cádiz and Valencia in 552[157]. He strengthened his position with the arrival of Byzantine reinforcements and deposed King Agila in 554, succeeding as ATANAGILDO King of the Visigoths. He moved his capital in Spain from Barcelona to Toledo in [554][158], symbolising a change in the political centre of the Visigothic kingdom to Spain from the remnants of their kingdom around Toulouse. Having helped King Atanagildo to power, the Byzantines remained and attempted to expand their control to the west in Spain, but the king was able to enforce a territorial agreement with them limiting their authority to southeast Spain. Seville rebelled against central Visigothic authority in 555, followed by Córdoba[159]. The Iohannis Abbatis Biclarensis Chronica records the death of "Athanaildus rex Gothorum in Hispania" in 568[160]. The Chronicon Albeldense records that “Atanagildus” died naturally in Toledo under Emperor Justinian[161]. Isidore of Seville records that Atanagildo ruled for fourteen years[162]. The Chronica Regum Visigotthorum records that “Athanagildus” reigned for 15 years, six months, otherwise 14 years[163]. m as her first husband, GOSVINTA, daughter of --- (-589). She married secondly her first husband’s brother Leovigildo King of the Visigoths. The Iohannis Abbatis Biclarensis Chronica records the marriage in 569 of "Leovegildus germanus Livvani regis" and "Gosuintham relictam Athanaildi"[164]. King Atanagildo & his wife had two children:

a) GALSWINTHA (-murdered [567]). Gregory of Tours records the marriage of King Chilperic and Galswinth, older daughter of King Athanagild, after the marriage of King Sigebert to her younger sister, specifying that she converted from Arianism to Catholicism and came to France with a large dowry, but never stopped complaining about the insults she had to endure to the king who eventually had her garrotted by one of his servants[165]. Herimannus names "Geisluindam, sororem Brunæ [filiam Athanagildi regis Gothorum]" as wife of "Hilpericus frater Sigibertus rex", recording that she was strangled by her husband's concubine "Fridegundis"[166]. m (564) as his second wife, CHILPERIC I King of the Franks, son of CHLOTHACHAR I King of the Franks & his fifth wife Arnegundis (before 535-murdered Chelles [27 Sep/9 Oct] 584, bur Paris, Saint-Germain-des-Prés).

b) BRUNECHILDIS [Brunequilda/Brunehaut] ([545/50]-Renève-sur-Vingeanne Autumn 613, bur Autun, abbaye de Saint-Martin). Gregory of Tours records the marriage of King Sigebert and Brunhild, daughter of King Athanagild, describing her as "elegant in all she did, lovely to look at, chaste and decorous in her behaviour, wise in her generation and of good address", specifying that she converted from Arianism to Catholicism and came to France with a large dowry[167]. After her husband's death, her brother-in-law King Chilperic seized her treasure in Paris and banished her to Rouen[168]. Paulus Diaconus records that "Brunihilde matre" became regent after the accession of her son "Childepertus…adhuc puerulus"[169]. Herimannus records her second marriage to "Meroveus, Hilperici filius"[170]. Her power in Austrasia appears to have increased as her son King Childebert II assumed more direct control from [584], confirmed under the Treaty of Andelot in 587 which recognised her right to protection[171]. According to Fredegar, after her son's death in 596, she was regent for her grandson King Theodebert until 599 when she was "hunted out of Austrasia"[172]. Wood highlights that Pope Gregory I's correspondence with Queen Brunechilde concerning reform of the Frankish church appears to indicate that she still retained power in Austrasia as late as 602[173]. Fredegar reports that she was found "wandering alone near Arcis in Champagne" by a poor man (who was rewarded with the bishopric of Auxerre for his service)[174], and taken to the court of her grandson Theoderic II King of the Franks at Orléans, where she plotted against King Theodebert, culminating in the latter's overthrow and murder in 612 by King Theoderic. Fredegar records that she was the "bedfellow" of Protadius, a Roman, whom she "loaded with honours" and appointed patrician over the territory east of the Jura in [603][175]. After King Clotaire II defeated and captured her great-grandsons in 613, Brunechilde was arrested at the villa of Orbe by the constable Herpo and taken to Clotaire. According to Fredegar, she was tortured for three days, led through the ranks on a camel, and finally tied by her hair, one arm and a leg to the tail of an unbroken horse, being cut to shreds by its hoofs as it ran[176]. m firstly (early 566) SIGEBERT I King of the Franks, son of CHLOTHACHAR I King of the Franks & his third wife Ingundis [Ingonde] ([535]-murdered Vitry [Nov/Dec] 575, bur Soissons, basilique Saint-Médard). m secondly (576) MEROVECH of the Franks, son of CHILPERICH I King of the Franks & his first wife Audovera (-Thérouanne, Pas-de-Calais 577, bur Paris Abbaye de Saint-Germain-des-Prés). He was murdered on the orders of Frédégonde, the concubine of Merovech's father.

2. LIUVA (-573). He was elected to succeed as LIUVA I King of the Visigoths, five months after the death of King Atanagildo[177]. Isidore of Seville records that Liuva was made king at Narbonne after the death of Atanagildo and ruled for three years[178]. The Iohannis Abbatis Biclarensis Chronica records that "Livva" succeeded "Athanaildus rex Gothorum in Hispania" in 568 but does not state the relationship between the two[179]. The Iohannis Abbatis Biclarensis Chronica records that he installed his brother Leovigildo "in regnum citerioris Hispaniæ" in 569[180], implying that Liuva remained king in Hispania ulterior (the western part of the Iberian peninsula) and in what remained of the Gallic territories of the Visigoths. The Iohannis Abbatis Biclarensis Chronica records the death in 573 of "Livva rex"[181]. The Chronica Regum Visigotthorum records that “Liuva” reigned for one year[182].

3. LEOVIGILDO (-Toledo [Apr/May] 586). Gregory of Tours names Leuvigild as brother of Athanagild when recording that he succeeded after the death of his brother[183]. He succeeded his brother in 573 as LEOVIGILDO King of the Visigoths.

- see below.

LEOVIGILDO 573-586

LEOVIGILDO, brother of LIUVA King of the Visigoths, son of --- ([525/30]-Toledo [Apr/May] 586). Gregory of Tours names Leuvigild as brother of Athanagild when recording that he succeeded after the death of his brother[184]. His birth date range is estimated from the birth of his first grandson in [580/85], and his sons being appointed associate kings in 573. The Iohannis Abbatis Biclarensis Chronica records that "Leovegildus germanus Livvani regis" was installed "in regnum citerioris Hispaniæ" by his brother in 569[185]. Isidore of Seville records that Liuva established "his brother Leovigild not only as his successor but as his partner in the kingship, appointing him to rule Spain while he contented himself with rule of Gallia Narbonensis"[186]. The Iohannis Abbatis Biclarensis Chronica records that in 572 Leovigildo recaptured Córdoba[187], which had rebelled against Visigothic rule during the reign of King Agila. He succeeded his brother in 573 as LEOVIGILDO King of the Visigoths. The Iohannis Abbatis Biclarensis Chronica records that Leovigildo succeeded "Livva rex" in 573[188]. He extended Visigothic influence into Rioja in 574/75, and Oróspeda in 577. The greatest among the Visigothic rulers, he reinforced the power of the monarch by introducing court ceremonial based on Byzantine practices[189]. He introduced a new legal code Codex revisus (which has not survived)[190] and also rescinded a longstanding Roman ban on inter-marriage with native inhabitants of Spain, hastening Visigothic integration[191]. His son Hermenegildo rebelled against him in Seville in 581. He conquered the Suevi in the north western part of the peninsula, deposing King Audica in 585, and suppressed the revolt of Malaricus who attempted to assume control of Galicia[192]. His reign was marked by persecution of the Catholic church in Spain. The Iohannis Abbatis Biclarensis Chronica records the death in 586 of "Leovegildus rex"[193]. Isidore of Seville records that he ruled for eighteen years and died a natural death in Toledo "in the era 624 (586)"[194]. The Chronica Regum Visigotthorum records that “Liuvigildus” reigned for 18 years[195].

m firstly ([550/55], repudiated) THEODOSIA, daughter of --- [Byzantine Governor of Carthaginensis]. The primary source which confirms her name has not yet been identified. The Iohannis Abbatis Biclarensis Chronica records that "duosque filios suos [Leovigildi]…Hermenegildem et Reccaredum" were born "ex amissa coniuge" but does not name their mother[196].

m secondly (569) as her second husband, his sister-in-law GOSVINTA, widow of ATANAGILDO King of the Visigoths, daughter of --- (-589). The Iohannis Abbatis Biclarensis Chronica records the marriage in 569 of "Leovegildus germanus Livvani regis" and "Gosuintham relictam Athanaildi"[197]. Gregory of Tours names Goiswinth, mother of Brunhild, as wife of Leuvigild[198]. She contributed to the difficulties, which culminated in the rebellion of her stepson Hermenegildo, by trying to force the latter's wife to convert to Aryanism[199]. Gosvinta was the focus of a plot to restore the Aryan faith in 589[200].

King Leovegildo & his first wife had two children:

1. HERMENEGILDO “the Holy” ([550/55]-murdered Tarragona 13 Apr 586). The Iohannis Abbatis Biclarensis Chronica names "duosque filios suos ex amissa coniuge Hermenegildem et Reccaredum" when recording that their father associated them in his rule in 573[201]. In 579, his father appointed Hermenegildo as Governor of Betica, based in Seville. Gregory of Tours records his conversion to Catholicism and baptism as "JOHN"[202]. He converted to Catholicism in Seville in 580 under the influence of Leandro, Archbishop of Seville[203]. He revolted against his father's Aryan rule in 581, retired to Córdoba in 584, but was captured and exiled to Valencia. Isidore of Seville records that "his son Hermenegild" rebelled against his father who defeated him