Sigeric
5th century·Visigothic Kingdom·Amali clan
Sigeric was a Visigoth king who reigned for only seven days in 415 AD. His brief and violent rule followed the assassination of his predecessor, Ataulf, and was marked by further bloodshed before his own assassination.
Key Facts
- ›Reigned as Visigoth king for seven days in 415 AD.
- ›Became king after his brother Sarus' faction, the Amali, violated succession traditions.
- ›Ordered the murder of Ataulf's children.
- ›Forced Galla Placidia to walk over twelve miles among captives.
- ›Was assassinated on the seventh day of his reign.
- ›Belonged to the Amali clan, a rival to the Balti dynasty.
About Sigeric
Sigeric: A Brief and Violent Visigothic Kingship
Sigeric was a Visigoth king who held the throne for a mere seven days in 415 AD. His accession followed the assassination of his predecessor, Ataulf, who was mortally wounded by an assassin, likely a servant of Sarus, a Gothic noble and enemy of Ataulf.
Rise to Power and Reign of Terror
Following Ataulf's death, Sarus' faction, known as the Amali, disregarded Gothic tradition and immediately proclaimed Sigeric, Sarus' brother, as king. Sigeric's short reign was marked by brutal acts. He ordered the murder of Ataulf's children from his first marriage. Additionally, he subjected Galla Placidia, Ataulf's widow and daughter of Roman Emperor Theodosius I, to humiliation by forcing her to walk over twelve miles on foot among a crowd of captives preceding his mounted procession.
Assassination and Succession
Sigeric's rule was cut short on the seventh day after his coronation when he was assassinated. He was succeeded by Wallia, a relative of Ataulf. Sigeric's membership in the Amali clan, a rival to the Balti clan from which Ataulf and Wallia hailed, distinguishes him from the main line of kings usually associated with the Balti dynasty. Due to his brief reign, his status as a usurper, and his non-Balti affiliation, Sigeric does not appear on all traditional lists of Visigothic monarchs.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Sigeric?
Sigeric was a Visigoth king who ruled for a very brief period of seven days in 415 AD. His reign was characterized by violence and instability within the Visigothic leadership.
How did Sigeric become king?
Sigeric became king after his predecessor, Ataulf, was assassinated. The Amali faction, led by his brother Sarus, violated Gothic succession traditions to place Sigeric on the throne.
What actions did Sigeric take during his reign?
Upon becoming king, Sigeric murdered Ataulf's children and forced Galla Placidia, Ataulf's widow and daughter of Emperor Theodosius I, to walk a significant distance as a captive.
When and how did Sigeric's reign end?
Sigeric's reign ended abruptly on the seventh day of his accession when he was assassinated. He was replaced by Wallia, a relative of Ataulf.
Why is Sigeric often excluded from Visigothic king lists?
Sigeric is often excluded from Visigothic king lists because he belonged to the Amali clan, a rival group to the Balti dynasty, which traditionally held the kingship. His reign was also a usurpation and extremely short.
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