Hatton Ato Bishop of Vic (957–971/972) and Archbishop of Tarragona (971 or 971–972) Date of Birth: 01.01.0957

1. Early Life and the Bishop of Vic
2. Renovations and Religious Influence
3. Education and a Notable Student
4. Diplomatic Mission to Rome
5. Archbishop of Tarragona
6. Assassination and Legacy

Early Life and the Bishop of Vic

Atho became the Bishop of Vic in 957, after the passing of Bishop Wadamirus. He was a proponent of the rules practiced by the Western Frankish Church and began implementing them in his diocese. He also introduced the position of canon to his bishopric within his first year.

Renovations and Religious Influence

Atho oversaw renovations and expansions to Vic's cathedral, the Church of Sant Pere de Vic. In 968, he consecrated the Arles Monastery. His reforms and influence earned him the respect of Count Borrell II of Barcelona and the Catalan nobility, resulting in several donations to the diocese of Vic, including the fortress of Tous in 970.

Education and a Notable Student

Bishop Atho possessed vast knowledge, particularly in mathematics. In 967, Count Borrell II entrusted him with the education of Gerbert of Aurillac in the four liberal arts. Gerbert's exceptional education is attested to by Richer of Reims in his "Historia" (Book III, Chapter 44).

Diplomatic Mission to Rome

In 970, Atho accompanied Count Borrell II to Rome to secure papal recognition for the restoration of the archbishopric in Tarragona, which had lost its status after the Moorish conquest in the 8th century. Borrell II desired to increase his autonomy from the Western Frankish kingdom and extend his influence over lands bordering the Caliphate of Cordoba. With generous gifts, Borrell II achieved his goal.

Archbishop of Tarragona

On Christmas 970, Pope John XIII issued five bulls restoring the archbishopric in Tarragona, and the dioceses of Barcelona, Urgell, Girona, and Vic were placed under its authority. Until Tarragona was liberated from Moorish rule, Osona became the center of the archdiocese. Atho was appointed as the new archbishop, but due to opposition from the bishop of Tarragona, Cesario, and the prelates of the new diocese, he was never able to fully assume the position.

Assassination and Legacy

In January 971, Atho was elevated to archbishop in Rome, but he faced resistance at every turn. Some sources suggest he was assassinated in Rome on August 22, 971, while others claim he was killed shortly after returning to Spain in 972. Bishop Frugifero succeeded Atho as the Bishop of Vic.