Prosopography, Nomenclature, and Royal Succession in the Visigothic Kingdom of Toledo

Abstract

The kingdom of Toledo generally is thought to have been an elective monarchy. By using the evidence of prosopography and nomenclature, this study will challenge this received tradition by providing additional nuance to what we know about family relationships and dynastic succession in the Visigothic kingdom. It will be suggested that the more than twenty-seven kings of the sixth and seventh centuries in fact are linked to a few lineages, not more than five, almost all related to each other. Of particular significance is the continuing importance attached to connections with the old Amal and Balth families of the Visigoths and Ostrogoth. As time went on, lineages from Septimania, mostly of Ostrogothic origin, had greater and greater difficulties gaining control of Spain. From 636 on, every Gothic king was related to a few families of the Guadalquivir valley, especially in the city of Cordova.