WAMBA VS THE VISIGOTHIC CLERGY: THE FINAL DEFEAT OF STRONG ROYAL POWER IN GOTHIC SPAIN

Shchukin Sergey Vladimirovich

The article focuses on the period 672–687 in the Visigothic Kingdom and characterizes the reigns of Kings Wamba and Erwig. The author argues that Wamba's reign long ago anticipated the emergence of a crisis in the kingdom, caused by the policies of the Councils of Toledo. It is also noted that Wamba was initially viewed by the Visigothic Church as a convenient candidate. The rebellion of Duke Paul is characterized as the first harbinger of Wamba's fate and as a purely internal matter of Spain, without external interference. Wamba's reign is characterized as radically anti-church and aimed at the complete subordination of the church to the kings. Nevertheless, according to the author, Wamba's anointing served as a model for similar actions by the Carolingian rulers of Frankia. Wamba's removal is described as violent and is described as a consequence of long-standing church policy that destroyed the authority of the government. Erwig, on the other hand, is characterized as a king extremely loyal to the church and, according to Y. Tsirkin, intolerant of opponents of his accession. Overall, this era is described as the culmination of a crisis that began in the 630s, and the Visigothic Church is blamed for the devaluation of royal legitimacy and its own laws. The article is based on a wide range of sources, including narrative (the History of King Wamba) and legal (the Visigothic Code and the decrees of the Councils of Toledo).

Keywords:Visigothic Kingdom, Councils of Toledo, Wamba, Erwig, Early Middle Ages, Spanish Church.