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

Gallaecia Gothica provides a fresh perspective on the Argimundus rebellion, a major challenge during Reccared's reign. The Chronicle of John of Biclaro highlights the severity of the threat, emphasizing the punishment of the rebel and his collaborators. The conspiracy, involving Argimundus, a member of the Aula Regia and a duke of a province, suggests a provincial revolt rather than a palace plot. The ultimate goal of Argimundus remains uncertain, but evidence from numismatics and archaeology suggests a restoration of the old Suevic kingdom in Gallaecia.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 88 pages
Publication date: 13 July 2023
Publisher: Archaeopress

Gallaecia Gothica presents a fresh perspective on the Argimundus rebellion, one of the most formidable challenges during Reccared's reign. While the exact origins of the conspiracy remain largely unknown, the throne faced a significant threat. The Chronicle of John of Biclaro underscores the seriousness of this menace through his account of the punishment meted out to the rebel and his collaborators. John's unwavering condemnation of the attempted overthrow of the monarch stands out as unparalleled in the Chronicle's narratives, reflecting the profound importance the abbot of Biclaro assigned to this event in his storytelling.

Adding to the intrigue, the Chronicle reveals that Argimundus held dual roles as a member of the Aula Regia and a dux prouinciae (duke of a province). This combination, coupled with Gallaecia's status as a newly conquered province, suggests that this revolt was more than just a palace coup. It could have jeopardized the political equilibrium established by Leovigild and Reccared. However, ascertaining Argimundus' ultimate objective remains challenging. Was he seeking to replace Reccared on the Visigothic throne or, perhaps, to restore the old Suevic kingdom in Gallaecia? This book employs numismatic and archaeological evidence to support the latter view.

In conclusion, Gallaecia Gothica offers a valuable contribution to our understanding of the Argimundus rebellion. By providing new insights and evidence, it sheds light on the complexities and motivations behind this pivotal event in Visigothic history. Through John's narrative and the archaeological evidence presented, the book provides a compelling argument for the restoration of the old Suevic kingdom in Gallaecia, challenging previous interpretations and adding depth to our knowledge of this period.

Weight: 318g
Dimension: 202 x 275 x 8 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781803275079