Trabajo Visigodos. Inglés

THE VISIGOTHS
1.-WHERE ARE THEY FROM?
To know the origin of the Visigoths we must go back to the year 370
when the Huns began advancing from the steppes of Asia to Europe, thus
pushing a series of barbarians who were between them and the Roman
Empire.
ANDREA MARTÍN BRAVO 2º C Página 1

THE VISIGOTHS
One of those people were the Visigoths, who asked the Emperor Flavius
Julius Valens (emperor of the Eastern Roman Empire) passing the Roman
frontier to find a defense to the movement of more bellicose than they
peoples. This step granted settling them in Thrace , but the incompetence
and evil of imperial officials on such people, ignited a firestorm. This made
the emperor himself was put to the front of the battle, in which he was
wounded and later died burned (done that shocked the Romans, being the
first emperor killed by barbarians), this occurred at the Battle of
Adrianople in 378.
The Emperor Flavius Julius Valens (emperor of the Eastern Roman Empire)
In 382 the Emperor Theodosius signed a new treaty by which happened
to be an independent nation nestled between the Danube and the Hemus
exchange would provide recruits to the army. But in 395, Alaric (king of the
Visigoths) broke the pact by taking advantage of the political situation
which demanded more land, granting Epirus and Ililicum. After that in the
year 400 he decided to march towards the West, where we find the
emperor Honorius, who had 11 years so I was mentored by Stilicho
(barbarian origin) who in 402 overcame the troops of Alaric, coming to
camp and taking a big booty and making family hostage Visigoth king.

THE VISIGOTHS
Following this Alaric decides to retire, but in the year 408 returned to
Rome and this was sacked by his troops and the slaves who lived in it were
released, spending most freely to belong to the army of the Visigoth king.
The following year he demanded that impeached Honorio (Roma) and placed
to Prisco and so did the Senate, but negative from Africa made the
emperor also was dismissed.
On 10 August 410 Rome was sacked and burned for the third time after
it tried to take a boat and go to Africa to end the uprising but became ill
and died.

THE VISIGOTHS
2.-THE ARRIVAL OF THE VISIGOTHS TO

THE IBERIAN PENINSULA
The Visigoths began a search for land on which to settle and feed its
population, sometimes under pressure from other people and the same
Roman army. But the truth is that of all the Germanic peoples, the Goths
were those most attracted to the Roman culture and the fact that most
Romanized felt.
Why they intervened in the Iberian Peninsula?
In fact it seems that the Visigoths thought not settle here when they
entered the early V century, but its intervention was intended to "restore
order", that is, to eliminate the Swabians invaders, Vandals and Alans on
behalf of the Emperor of Rome.

THE VISIGOTHS
Indeed, the Visigoths had reached a pact with the Romans by pledging
to fight against the people who threatened the Empire, in exchange for
land on which to settle and wheat to feed. Thus, they stormed the Peninsula
and cornered the Swabians in Galicia, forced to emigrate to the Vandals
and Alans virtually exterminated.
Once fulfilled its function retreated to Gaul where they were given
land and settled as federated the Roman Empire, taking as its capital
Tolosa.
In the middle of the V century, the Visigoths in Hispania again intervene to
stop the advance initiated by the Swabians, and subjecting peasant
movements in the Tarraconense. But this time not removed immediately but
left garrisons at various points, such as in Merida. In the following years he
continued entering and settling population Visigoth Hispania.

THE VISIGOTHS
The Visigoths in Hispania finally settled when the Franks defeated and
expelled from Gaul in the early sixth century, although continued
maintaining a Gala province an interesting period in which the Ostrogoth
King Theodoric (installed in Italy) is placed in front of the Visigoths to
defend the interests of his grandson Amalric, who was a child, becoming
regent opens here.
Theodoric the Great tried that relations between Visigoths and
Hispanics were good and were integrated. For it allowed marriages between
two people (that were forbidden by the ancient Roman law, later collected
by the Visigoth king Alaric), was tolerant of Catholics (the Visigoths had
become the "Arian" Christianity, which differed in some respects with
Catholic professed by Hispano-Roman). In addition, he restored the Roman

THE VISIGOTHS
administration and to satisfy the nobles of the Peninsula gave them civil
charges.
When Theodoric died, Hispania became independent from Italy and
entered into a somewhat chaotic phase, in which several kings succeeded.
One of them, Atanagildo, sought help from Byzantium to defeat his rival,
Agila. The Byzantines responded quickly and defeated Agila, but also
occupied the entire coastal area of southeast, very quickly and without
difficulty, suggesting that possibly were not badly received by the
inhabitants of these regions. When the Visigoths realized they supported
Atanagildo and clashed with the Byzantines, but failed to drive them out;
so they moved north and established their capital in Toledo.

THE VISIGOTHS
3.-POLITICAL ORGANIZATION
The political organization of the Visigoths was based on Germanic
law. The fundamental institution of government was the Assembly of
freemen, in which resided the power of the kingdom, which was given to a
king (elective monarchy).
Visigoth kings attempted to modify the Germanic organization and
incorporate the Roman absolutism his government. Despite these attempts,
they never managed to establish a stable monarchy with a strong royal
power and based on the right of inheritance. The consequent political
instability was key to understanding the collapse of the Visigoths in 711
after the Muslim invasion.
Monarchs kept a retinue of guests that accompanied them, swearing
fidelity and receiving protection and sustenance.
The king's powers were broad: supreme judge, army chief legislator, in
charge of war and peace ...
In practice, the king ruled with the help of :
Palatinum Officium, in the intervening two management bodies:
o The Aula Regia or King's Council
o The Councils of Toledo, who collaborated with the
kings in legislative work and government affairs.

THE VISIGOTHS
Were part of the Officium characters of high rank, with the title of
Comes, they were in charge of different services:
Comes Treasury Regio,
Comes management of Crown lands,
Comes tax collection,
Comes expenses monarch and his house.
Also involved large territorial and military officials: Doges provincial
(delegates of the king), committees civitates (judges of cities) and
gardingos (military commanders).

THE VISIGOTHS
4.-SOCIETY AND ECONOMY
THE SOCIETY
Visigoth society was made up of people and groups of different importance:
THE KING
THE PRIVILEGED FREE:
NOBILITY AND OFFICERS OF THE CHURCH
THE FREE unprivileged
Semi-free and servants
First was the KING.
THE PRIVILEGED FREE: Nobility and senior officials of the Church.
They enjoyed own laws (known as privileges) and paid no taxes. They
were a very small part of the population, owned large tracts of land
and numerous tax and criminal privileges

THE VISIGOTHS
LOS FREE AND SEMI-FREE unprivileged. They were the largest
group in the countryside and in cities and did not have any privileges.
 In the field it included small farmers and settlers (semi-
free) who worked the land of a lord in exchange for rent.
 In the city were craftsmen and traders
THE SERVANTS who were subject and depended on a lord, were
descendants of slaves.
There was also what was known as BUCELARIOS they were free men
who voluntarily became servants of a lord in exchange for protection
THE ECONOMY
The Visigoths created dedicated to agriculture and livestock estates
were the most important economic activities.
Agriculture was based on the cultivation of wheat, barley and oats,
which plateaus reached high productivity . In the Bética and Tarraconense
highlighted crops vines and olive trees which continued to trade in the form
of wine and oils of different kind. leguminous vegetables and fruit trees

THE VISIGOTHS
like peach, apple, figs, strawberries were grown. Irrigated orchards of
Cartaginense were already famous for their vegetables and fruit. Honey
was an important product.
In livestock it consisted of sheep, pigs and cows.
The craft went into decline, only metallurgy, metalwork and pottery
had some development.
Trade also developed a setback, although they continued maintaining
trade relations with Byzantium, Italy and France. From these places they
were sent to the mainland luxury goods like jewelry, dresses and fabrics of
high quality and exported horses, wine, silver, gold ....
Economic activity in the kingdom was essential for the development
and supply of its inhabitants. Products imported and exported served them
both to meet their own needs to open up trade routes and economic
relations of interest to other towns.
The economy in the kingdom was not very advanced but was
developing and producing improvements in agricultural activity and
commercial activity.

THE VISIGOTHS
5.-MOST IMPORTANT KINGS AND

THEIR ACHIVEMENTS
List of Visigoth kings
SETTLING: Visigothic Kingdom of Toulouse
Alarico (395- - Creator of the Visigothic monarchy.

410) - Sack of Rome (410) The Visigoths entered Rome and
destroyed much of the city

THE VISIGOTHS
First entry into Hispania
Ataulfo (410- - It was the first Visigoth king,

415)
Sigerico (415) - Come to power through a coup, his reign lasted only
seven days.
Second entry in Hispania
Walia (415-418) - He moved the capital of the kingdom of Barcelona

Tolosa (Toulouse).
Teodoredo (418- - Got the independence from the United Visigodo

451)
Rome.
- Together with his great enemy, the Roman general
Aetius, Attila managed to stop in the Campos
Cataláunicos Battle that killed Teodoredo.
Turismundo - He tried to continue the policy of expansion at the

(451-453)
expense of Rome.
Beginning of the occupation of Hispania
Tedorico II - He reconquered much of Hispania who had occupied

(453-465)
the Swabians led by Requiario
- Taking advantage of the decomposition of the
Empire, took the Septimania

THE VISIGOTHS
Eurico code
Eurico (466-484) - During his reign the Roman Empire disappeared in

476.
- He promoted the persecution of the Catholic clergy.
- Did writing "Eurico code" applies only to the Goths,
heavily influenced by Roman law and the first to be
drafted for a Germanic people.
Breviary of Alaric
Alarico II (484- - Promulgated the "Breviary of Alaric" applicable to

507)
their Roman subjects.
End of the Visigoth Kingdom of Tolosa
BREAKING: United Arrian in Hispania
Hispania definitive transfer: Barcelona capital
Gesaleico (507- - Lost much of Gaul, he moved his capital to Narbonne

511)
and then to Barcelona
Government from Ravenna
Regency
- Teodorico assumed the regency during the minority
Teodorico (511-
of Amalric.
526)

THE VISIGOTHS
Amalric (526- - Ostrogodo King,

531) - Visigoth tribute to the ostrogodos is canceled.
Teudis (532- - Ostrogodo King,

548) - Expanded the "Breviary of Alaric.
Teudiselo (548- - General under the reign of Teudis and ostrogodo,

549) was elected to his death.
Agila (549-551) - Visigoth origin

- He lost many territories before the Byzantines.
Capital in Toledo
Atanagildo (551- - His reign endured a major economic crisis.

567)
Liuva (567-572) - Proclaimed King by the Visigoths from Narbonne
Leovigild (572- - Its main goal was the unification of the peninsula.
586)
- Promotes internal drive reforming the Code of
Eurico, repealing the prohibition of mixed marriages
between Christians and Arians and restructuring the
administration.

THE VISIGOTHS
SPLENDOR: The Catholic Visigoth

Monarchy
Conversion to Catholicism
Reccared (586- - He converted to Catholicism at 587. In the Third

601)
Council of Toledo (589) he made profession of
Catholic faith and announced the conversion of the
Visigoths to Catholicism.
- He ordered the burning of books Arians.
Liuva II (601- - Appoints Witerico army chief who rebels against

603)
him, deposes and, after cutting his right hand,
condemns him to death.
Witerico (603- - Reconquered territories the Cartaginense the

610)
Byzantines.
Gundemaro (610- - At a synod in Toledo moves to the metropolitan

612)
diocese headquarters Hispania, which until then was
Cartagena, occupied by the Byzantines.
Sisebut (612- - Visigoth created the first naval squadron.

621) - He promoted culture and literary texts written in
Latin and astronomy.

THE VISIGOTHS
Reccared II - Son of Sisebuto young children previously associated

(621) to the throne by his father, died a few days after his
appointment. the cause of his death is not known.
Suintila (621- - He was excommunicated in the Fourth Council of

631)
Toledo, confiscated their property and banished.
Sisenado (631- - Convened the IV Council of Toledo, presided over

636)
by San Isidoro, in which the monarch election system
was established thereafter participating bishops
addition to the Gothic aristocracy, and politics with
the Jews hardened.
Chintila (636- - I call the councils V and VI of Toledo where new

639)
laws to protect the monarch promulgated and policy
hardened against Jews reside in the kingdom
prohibiting non-Catholic
Tulga (639-642) - His reign came nonconformity in the nobility
Chindasvinto - Improved the Treasury and developed a legislative

(642-653)
activity, both in three councils, and preparing a new
legal code for all his subjects, ending Recesvinto.
- Favored the Catholic Church.

THE VISIGOTHS
Recceswinth - Enacts the liber Iudiciorum or code Recceswinth

(653-672)
that language translated into romance by Fernando
III as Law I judge would remain in force in Spain to
the Civil Code of the late nineteenth century.
- He built the church San Juan de Baños de Cerrato
Wamba (672- - He thinks Narbona brought the relics of St. Antolín,

680)
for which he built a martirium which remains the
crypt in the Cathedral of Palencia.
- proclaimed a new military law forcing nobles and
bishops to come with their hosts to the call of the
king.
Ervigio (680-
- Softening the military law of Wamba,
687)
Égica (687-700) - He took the direction of the ecclesiastical policy

naming the bishops, who depend thereafter the
monarch.
Witiza (700-710) - Start the reign pardoning all Egica convicted for
participating in the various conspiracies that had put
down during his reign.
Rodrigo (710- - Rodrigo, who is fighting in the north, come quickly

711)
and confronts Arabs near Medina Sidonia, which is
betrayed by supporters of Witiza, in what was the
end of the Visigoth Kingdom.

THE VISIGOTHS
6.-THE END OF THE VISIGOTH

MONARCHY
Witiza (702-710), said monarch only be characterized as the last
legitimately elected then, after his death, though he had decided it was his
son who took the reins of power, a group of nobles refused to obey the will
of the deceased monarch on the throne introducing Don Rodrigo (710-711)
which govern kingdom full of seizures.
After being elected monarch somewhat strange forms, Witiza followers,
they decided to seek help from Muslim North Africa contacting through a
dealer. These would help Muslims to take the peninsula in exchange for
keeping their land and privileges.
And so, Muslims entered the peninsula, ending the last king of the
Visigoth monarchy in the battle of Guadalete in 711.

THE VISIGOTHS
During the course of the battle he is known that the last monarch died,
abandoned by his troops and those who placed him on the throne in the
middle of the battle.
This was established in the Iberian Peninsula the time of Al-Andalus,
which would last eight centuries.

THE VISIGOTHS
THE
KEY
WORDS

THE VISIGOTHS
THE ARIANISM
Arianism is a non-Trinitarian Christian belief (This belief affirms that
God is a unique being that exists as three distinct persons: the Father, the
Son and the Holy Spirit.)
The Arianism says that Jesus, as the Son of God, was created by God.
The Arian teachings were attributed to Arius (c.250-335 AD),
In some groups of early Christians it was taught that Christ had pre-
existed as Son of God before his incarnation in Jesus of Nazareth, and
that he had descended to Earth to redeem human beings.4

THE VISIGOTHS
Arius believed that God the Father and God the Son had not always
existed together, 5 but that the Logos was a divine being created by God
the Father before the world and subordinate to the Father.
The vast majority supported the Trinitarian doctrines, which came to
be considered orthodoxy (the correct way to understand the Christian
faith) and the Arian position was in the minority and was declared
heterodox or heretical.
TRINITARIAN DOCTRINES >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>ORTHODOXY
ARIAN POSITION >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>HETERODOX OR HERETICAL

THE VISIGOTHS
“AULA REGIA”
An AULA REGIA (lat. for "royal hall"), also referred to as a palas hall,
is a name given to the great hall in an imperial or royal palace.
The main assembly of the Visigothic monarchy, composed of the king,
the palace nobles (magnates), some dukes, counts, bishops and ecclesiastics.
In it, important decisions would be made for the Visigothic people.
They intervened in the election of the monarch following in part the
criteria that had been set by the councils of Toledo

THE VISIGOTHS
LIBER IUDICIORUM
The Visigothic Code (Latin, Forum Iudicum or Liber Iudiciorum;
Spanish, Libro de los Jueces, Book of the Judges), also called Lex
Visigothorum (English: Law of the Visigoths) is a set of laws first
promulgated by king Chindasuinth (642-653) of the Visigothic Kingdom in
his second year of rule (642-643) that survives only in fragments.
In 654 his son, king Recceswinth (649-672), published the enlarged law
code, which was the first law code that applied equally to the conquering
Goths and the general population, of which the majority had Roman roots,
and had lived under Roman laws.
The code abolished the old tradition of having different laws for
Romans (leges romanae) and Visigoths (leges barbarorum), and under which
all the subjects of the Visigothic kingdom would stop being Romans and
Goths instead becoming hispani. In this way, all subjects of the kingdom

THE VISIGOTHS
were gathered under the same jurisdiction, eliminating social and legal
differences, and allowing greater assimilation of the populations.
As such, the Code marks the transition from the Roman law to
Germanic law and is one of the best surviving examples of leges
barbarorum. It combines elements of the Roman law, Catholic law and
Germanic tribal law.
STRUCTURE OF LIBER IUDICIORUM
The following is a list of the books and titles which form the Visigothic
Code.
 Book I: Concerning Legal Agencies
 Book II: Concerning the Conduct of Causes
 Book III: Concerning Marriage
 Book IV: Concerning Natural Lineage
 Book V: Concerning Business Transactions
 Book VI: Concerning Crimes and Tortures
 Book VII: Concerning Theft and Fraud
 Book VIII: Concerning Acts of Violence and Injuries
 Book IX: Concerning Fugitives and Refugees
 Book X: Concerning Partition, Limitation, and Boundaries
 Book XI: Concerning the Sick and the Dead and Merchants who Come
from Beyond
 Book XII: Concerning the Prevention of Official Oppression, and the
Thorough Extinction of Heretical Sects

THE VISIGOTHS
COUNCILS OF TOLEDO
Toledo Councils were a series of meetings of particular importance that
took place in the city of Toledo throughout the Visigoth period, although
its origin is prior to this period.
The components of these meetings were the Visigoth king, nobility and
high hierarchy constituted by the bishops. That is, they were formed by
the political and religious power.
The king was responsible for announcing the council when considered
appropriate, with mandatory attendance of participants.
It was developed and ceremonially opening the king read a prayer and then
the "tomus regius", a programmatic speech setting forth the issues
addressed and resolved. The decisions were taken at the sessions included
in some minutes, everyone was obliged to comply.
The decisions in principle were taken by majority vote, although it seems
that usually coincided with the king defended.
In short, the Councils of Toledo constituted a form of support to King
and ratification of the policy pursued.
They were held in all 18 Councils of Toledo, between 397 and 702, although
the regularity of their celebrations was very uneven.

THE VISIGOTHS
The Councils of Toledo relationship is as follows:
 First Council of Toledo. 397. Only ecclesiastic. I do not Visigoth.
Emperors Arcadius and Honorius.
 Second Council of Toledo. 527. Only ecclesiastical year. King Amalric.
 Third Council of Toledo. 589. King Reccared.
 Fourth Council of Toledo. 633. King Sisenando.
 V Council of Toledo. 636. King Chintila.
 Sixth Council of Toledo. 638. King Chintila.
 Seventh Council of Toledo. 646. King Chindasvinto year.
 Eighth Council of Toledo. 653. King Recceswinth year.
 Ninth Council of Toledo. 655. King Recceswinth year.
 Tenth Council of Toledo. 656. King Recceswinth year.
 Eleventh Council of Toledo. Year 675. King Wamba.
 Twelfth Council of Toledo. 681. King Ervigio.
 Thirteenth Council of Toledo. 683. King Ervigio year.
 Fourteenth Council of Toledo. 684. King Ervigio year.
 Fifteenth Council of Toledo. 688. King Egica year.
 Sixteenth Council of Toledo. 693. King Egica year.
 Seventeenth Council of Toledo. 694. King Egica year.
 Eighteenth Council of Toledo. 702. King Witiza year.

THE VISIGOTHS
THE TREASURE OF GUADARRAZ
The Treasure of Guarrazar, Guadamur, Province of Toledo, Castilla-La
Mancha, Spain, is an archeological find composed of twenty-six votive
crowns and gold crosses that had originally been offered to the Roman
Catholic Church by the Kings of the Visigoths in the seventh century in
Hispania, as a gesture of the orthodoxy of their faith and their submission
to the ecclesiastical hierarchy,
The most valuable of all is the votive crown of king Reccewinth with its
blue sapphires from Sri Lanka and pendilia. Though the treasure is now
divided and much has disappeared, it represents the best surviving group of
Early Medieval Christian votive offerings

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THE VISIGOTHS

1.-WHERE ARE THEY FROM?

ANDREA MARTÍN BRAVO 2º C Página 1

frontier to find a defense to the movement of more bellicose than they

first emperor killed by barbarians), this occurred at the Battle of

In 382 the Emperor Theodosius signed a new treaty by which happened

to be an independent nation nestled between the Danube and the Hemus

Visigoths) broke the pact by taking advantage of the political situation

emperor Honorius, who had 11 years so I was mentored by Stilicho

(barbarian origin) who in 402 overcame the troops of Alaric, coming to

ANDREA MARTÍN BRAVO 2º C Página 2

emperor also was dismissed.

ANDREA MARTÍN BRAVO 2º C Página 3

2.-THE ARRIVAL OF THE VISIGOTHS TO

Why they intervened in the Iberian Peninsula?

behalf of the Emperor of Rome.

ANDREA MARTÍN BRAVO 2º C Página 4

and cornered the Swabians in Galicia, forced to emigrate to the Vandals

and Alans virtually exterminated.

In the middle of the V century, the Visigoths in Hispania again intervene to

stop the advance initiated by the Swabians, and subjecting peasant

left garrisons at various points, such as in Merida. In the following years he

continued entering and settling population Visigoth Hispania.

ANDREA MARTÍN BRAVO 2º C Página 5

expelled from Gaul in the early sixth century, although continued

maintaining a Gala province an interesting period in which the Ostrogoth

King Theodoric (installed in Italy) is placed in front of the Visigoths to

regent opens here.

Theodoric the Great tried that relations between Visigoths and

become the "Arian" Christianity, which differed in some respects with

Catholic professed by Hispano-Roman). In addition, he restored the Roman

ANDREA MARTÍN BRAVO 2º C Página 6

When Theodoric died, Hispania became independent from Italy and

entered into a somewhat chaotic phase, in which several kings succeeded.

difficulty, suggesting that possibly were not badly received by the

inhabitants of these regions. When the Visigoths realized they supported

so they moved north and established their capital in Toledo.

ANDREA MARTÍN BRAVO 2º C Página 7

The political organization of the Visigoths was based on Germanic

law. The fundamental institution of government was the Assembly of

king (elective monarchy).

Visigoth kings attempted to modify the Germanic organization and

incorporate the Roman absolutism his government. Despite these attempts,

they never managed to establish a stable monarchy with a strong royal

power and based on the right of inheritance. The consequent political

instability was key to understanding the collapse of the Visigoths in 711

after the Muslim invasion.

Monarchs kept a retinue of guests that accompanied them, swearing

fidelity and receiving protection and sustenance.

charge of war and peace ...

In practice, the king ruled with the help of :

Palatinum Officium, in the intervening two management bodies:

o The Aula Regia or King's Council

o The Councils of Toledo, who collaborated with the

kings in legislative work and government affairs.

ANDREA MARTÍN BRAVO 2º C Página 8

Comes, they were in charge of different services:

Comes Treasury Regio,

Comes management of Crown lands,

Comes tax collection,

Comes expenses monarch and his house.

Also involved large territorial and military officials: Doges provincial

(delegates of the king), committees civitates (judges of cities) and

gardingos (military commanders).