Gallaecia Gothica

From the Conspiracy of Dux Argimundus (AD 589/590) to Integration in the Visigothic Kingdom of Toledo

By (author) Rafael Barroso Cabrera By (author) Jorge Morín de Pablos By (author) Isabel Sánchez Ramos

Book cover: Gallaecia Gothica

Extent: 88 pages

Publisher: Archaeopress Publishing

Subjects: Hispanic & Portuguese Studies, Medieval Studies, Mediterranean Archaeology

Language: English

Paperback (Published)

(July 2023)

ISBN: 9781803275079

7.99 x 10.87 inches

Price: $36.00

In stock

This book uses numismatic and archaeological evidence to offer a new interpretation of the Argimundus rebellion, one of the most difficult challenges of Reccared’s reign.


Gallaecia Gothica offers a new interpretation of the Argimundus rebellion, one of the most difficult challenges of Reccared’s reign. There are no specific details of how the conspiracy came about, but the throne was seriously threatened. The Chronicle of John of Biclaro underlined the gravity of this menace in his description of the punishment suffered by the rebel and his collaborators. His categorical condemnation of the attempted overthrow of the monarch is unlike that given to any other uprising narrated in the Chronicle, and it shows the importance that the abbot of Biclaro gave it in his narration. The fact that the Chronicle notes that Argimundus was not only a member of the Aula Regia but also a dux prouinciae (duke of a province), combined with the status of Gallaecia as a newly conquered province, suggests that this was not just a palace conspiracy, but a genuine provincial revolt which could have ruined the political settlement established by Leovigild and Reccared. However, it is difficult to prove Argimundus’ ultimate aim: to replace Reccared on the Visigothic throne or, on the contrary, to restore the old Suevic kingdom in Gallaecia. This book uses numismatic and archaeological evidence seems to suggest the latter view.

Introduction

Conspirators and Conspiracies in the Reign of Reccared

Interpreting the Plot of Argimundus

The Scene of the Rebellion

Possible Suevian Origin of Argimundus

Argimundus and Paulus: Parallel Lives of Two Usurpers in Visigothic Spain

Gallaecia during the Visigothic Kingdom of Toledo: From Submission to Conquest

The Rise of the Duchy of Gallaecia: Resurgence of Local Aristocracies and Struggling for Real Power

Conclusion: From the Suevic Kingdom to the Duchy of Gallaecia

Bibliography

  • By (author) Rafael Barroso Cabrera
  • By (author) Jorge Morín de Pablos
  • By (author) Isabel Sánchez Ramos

Scholars of Hispania in this period will be grateful for the contribution that Barroso Cabrera, Morín de Pablos, and Sánchez Ramos have made with this text. Their work highlights that sometimes what our scarce – and often un-helpful – literary sources do not say regarding a specific event can be just as informative as what they do. Much of their discussion and analysis concerns evidence not written down, but this by no means implies hypotheses clutch-ing at straws. Instead, it shows that good use of alternative research methods can demonstrate the wider reality of a historical event.’ – Alec Dawson (2024): PLEKOS 26