VISIGOTHIC KINGS

Chindasuinth was one of the most important kings of Visigothic Hispania, ascending to the throne in his eighties after a career that began during the reign of Leovigild. He survived all the subsequent conspiracies and plots until he gained power, ruling with severity (642-653). He ensured succession by associating his son, Recceswinth, to the throne (649). His death was met with relief, and the epitaph written about him by Eugene, bishop of Toledo, describes him as "the author of crimes, impious, obscene, infamous, clumsy, and cruel." Cordoba was one of the kingdom's main cities, with a very powerful local aristocracy. The kings attempted to reduce their power by granting significant domains in the region to important Gothic magnates. King Egica died and King Roderic was proclaimed in this city. Only three pieces of this issue are known.