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AgrivulfKing of the Sueves, reigned 456 - 457.
Country:
 Spain |
Content:
- Biography of Agriulf
- A Betrayal and Aspiring to Become King
- A Controversial Account
- The Downfall and Execution
- Suebi Priests and the Appointment of a New King
- The Historians' Perspectives
- Foreign Aspirations for Power
Biography of Agriulf
Agriulf, also known as Aivilf, was a historical figure who played a significant role in the history of the Suebi kingdom during the mid-5th century. He was a prominent figure during the reign of King Theodoric II, ruling from 456 to 457.
A Betrayal and Aspiring to Become King
In 456, King Theodoric II led his army, consisting of various peoples, to Spain. After achieving victory at Campus Paramus and capturing Braga, the king set off towards the south, to Lusitania. However, a man named Agriulf, who had left the Goths, remained in Galicia with the hope of becoming the king of the Suebi.
A Controversial Account
The details of Agriulf's actions and intentions are disputed between two historians, Idacius and Jordanes. According to Idacius, Agriulf died in Oporto in June 457. Idacius is considered a reliable source as he was present during the events and had no reason to be biased. On the other hand, Jordanes presents a more complex version of the story. He claims that after the victory over the Suebi, Theodoric appointed Agriulf, whom he referred to as his client, as the ruler of the Suebi. According to Jordanes, the Suebi themselves requested Agriulf to become an independent ruler of Galicia. Jordanes questions Agriulf's nobility by suggesting that he might have been a member of the Varni people rather than a noble Goth. He accuses Agriulf of lacking loyalty and integrity.
The Downfall and Execution
Shortly after his appointment, Theodoric sent a detachment of troops to confront Agriulf, resulting in his defeat and capture in their first battle. Agriulf was subsequently imprisoned and executed.
Suebi Priests and the Appointment of a New King
Following Agriulf's downfall, the Suebi sent their priests to Theodoric, who received them with the appropriate honors befitting their episcopal rank. The Suebi were then allowed to choose their new king. Remismund, also known as Rimismund, was elected as their new ruler.
The Historians' Perspectives
It is evident that Jordanes' account was fabricated to provide an explanation for this shameful incident in Gothic history while flattering King Theodoric and his associates. In contrast, Idacius' narrative, which portrays Agriulf as a deserter, is more likely to be accurate. It is improbable that Agriulf was a member of the Varni people rather than a Goth. Jordanes or his informant might have heard rumors of a Gothic betrayal in Galicia, a region located between the Gothic army and their distant homeland. The historian attempted to protect the reputation of his people by asserting that Agriulf was not a true Goth. However, he also made an anachronistic claim by mentioning Christian bishops among the Suebi, who were still predominantly pagans at that time.
Foreign Aspirations for Power
It is intriguing that Agriulf, regardless of whether he was a Goth or a Varni, believed that the Suebi would accept him as their ruler. It is possible that Agriulf had already served in the Suebi kingdom before aspiring to become king. There is evidence to suggest that he can be identified with Aivilf, the individual who ordered the strangulation of the Roman count Censorius in Seville in 448, immediately after Rechiar ascended the throne, succeeding his predecessor Rechila. Rechila had held Censorius as an honored captive for eight years after capturing him in 440.
