King Athanaric of the Visigoths

781CE ᛣ

Athanaric was a staunch defender of the Gothic people and their folkways. In 369CE, Athanaric went into battle against invading Roman forces, after which he was successfully able to negotiate a peace with Emperor Valens. However, there was an undercurrent which threatened Athanaric’s tribe from within. Many of his Thervingi kinsmen began converting to Christianity, which Athanaric saw as the biggest threat to his people’s culture and way of life. It’s reported that to stop the spread of the foreign religion, he had 300 converts executed during his reign.

Next came a betrayal from one of Athanaric’s comrades and rivals, Fritigern, with whom he had fought alongside against the Romans. Now, Fritigern had converted to Chrisitianity, and even curried favor with Emperor Valens to turn his people over to Roman control in exchange for their military alliance. Thus, the Gothic Civil War began.

Fritigern lost every engagement against Athanaric at first, but with the help of the Romans, he was able to beat back his rival. Despite this, he was never able to claim a decisive victory. After close to ten years of fighting, Athanaric and the proud Visigoths remained undefeated, but they were weary from the conflict against their former brothers.

There was no worse time than this for the infamous Huns to sweep in from the East and begin their pillaging of Gothic lands. Had all of the Goths been united, they might have had an easier time repelling the Hunnic invaders, but this was not the case. Valens allowed Fritigern and his Christian Goths to take refuge within the secure borders of the Empire, while Athanaric and his men faced the invasions head on.

Gradually, tribes moved away from the ravaged lands into the Empire. Athanaric, himself, once deserted of followers, and following the death of Emperor Valens, made a visit to Constantinople. There, he was greeted warmly by Theodosius I, but died only two weeks later, in 781CE.

Today, we remember King Athanaric for his ferocity in defending the culture and customs of his folk. We also recognize the solemn consequences that come from in-fighting which divide our people against one another. Let us remain true to each other, just as we do to our ancestral ways!

By Shade McCurdy