Witiza
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Witiza was a Visigothic king who reigned from 700 to 710 CE. His succession to the throne was contested, with his son's claim being thwarted by the nobility, leading to Roderick's ascension. This internal conflict apparently prompted Witiza's family to seek aid from Muslims in North Africa. The subsequent invasion by Tariq ibn Ziyad in 711 CE resulted in the defeat of King Roderick and the rapid collapse of the Visigothic kingdom in Spain.1
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- Roderick
Roderick’s predecessor, King Witiza, died in 710, leaving two young sons, for whom Witiza’s widow and family tried to secure the succession. But a faction of the Visigothic nobles elected Roderick and drove the Witizans from Toledo. Roderick seems to have been dux (duke) or military commander of…
Read MoreRoderick’s predecessor, King Witiza, died in 710, leaving two young sons, for whom Witiza’s widow and family tried to secure the succession. But a faction of the Visigothic nobles elected Roderick and drove the Witizans from Toledo. Roderick seems to have been dux (duke) or military commander of…
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SpainThe Visigothic kingdomAfter the death of Witiza (700–710), the persistent turbulence of the nobility thwarted the succession of his son and allowed Roderick, duke of Baetica (710–711), to claim the throne. Determined to oust Roderick, Witiza’s family apparently summoned the Muslims in North Africa to their aid. Subsequently, Ṭāriq ibn Ziyād,…
Read MoreAfter the death of Witiza (700–710), the persistent turbulence of the nobility thwarted the succession of his son and allowed Roderick, duke of Baetica (710–711), to claim the throne. Determined to oust Roderick, Witiza’s family apparently summoned the Muslims in North Africa to their aid. Subsequently, Ṭāriq ibn Ziyād,…
Read More