Ataulf

Athaulf (also Athavulf, latin At ( h) aulfus; † August 415 in Barcelona) was the leader ( rex ) of the Visigoths from 410 to 415

Prehistory

After the sack of Rome in 410, Alaric led the Visigoths (whether it rex already and was "king", is in the research disputed) first southward toward the Strait of Messina to ferry from there to Sicily. Probably planned the Visigoths of Sicily from the crossing and settlement in Africa. But this company failed due to lack of ships. In response, the Visigoths turned north again, where Alaric even died in Bruttium in the same year.

Athaulf as the leader of the Goths

The successor of the late Alaric now went to his brother- Athaulf. This led his unit because of supply difficulties 412 on the coast of the Tyrrhenian Sea along the Alps into Gaul, with the passage areas, so it 140 years later Jordanes claims, leaving the impression that they had been attacked by a plague of locusts.

In Gaul arrived Athaulf recognized 412 first Jovinus the usurper as emperor, with whom he but soon fell out. Therefore Athaulf entered into negotiations with the Roman emperor Honorius and his mighty army champion Flavius ​​Constantius. The displaced during the sack of Rome Sister of the Emperor Honorius, Galla Placidia, it served as a bargaining chip. There was an agreement that the Visigothic warriors supply ( annona ) and the country was assured in Gaul when they would be released in return Galla Placidia and turn against Jovinus. Then Athaulf besieged in fulfillment of the agreement 413 Jovinus in Valentia, took him prisoner, and delivered him to Dardanus, the Praetorian Prefect of Honorius, from. The trade still did not materialize because the Visigoth king for the time being refused, Galla Placidia deliver. The Emperor Constantius and meanwhile held back the grain so much needed, so that the Visigoths were forced to plunder southern Gaul, in order not to starve. Despite the injury Athaulf during the siege of Massilia cities Narbo, Tolosa and Burdigala were conquered.

In January 414 Athaulf married to the amazement of Goths and Romans alike Galla Placidia in Narbo ( Narbonne ), according to Roman custom. With this marriage, the Gothic king is said to have given to understand that he did not make the Roman Empire as a Gothic, but rather wanted to renew it with the help of his Goths. His wife, as reported by Orosius, brought him to this realization. That same year, went from the marriage produced a child who was named after his maternal grandfather, the Roman Emperor Theodosius I, named. However, it died before the year end.

Constantius, who aspired even after the power and Galla Placidia hand, still began in the marriage again the fight against Athaulf. From Arles from a blockade of the ports of southern Gaul was organized, what Athaulf, as has been previously Alaric, with the proclamation of Priscus Attalus replied to Augustus. He also allowed the usurper to keep in Burdigala (Bordeaux) yard.

Nevertheless, the plight of his people forced him due to the blockade by Constantius, southern Gaul beginning to exit 415 towards Spain. There, end of summer 415 overtook him in Barcino (Barcelona) the revenge of a follower of Sarus, a Buccellarierführers, had killed the Athaulf 412. Presumably, however, was behind the assassination Constantius.

Reception

A memorial plaque for him was taken in in the Walhalla near Regensburg.

Swell

• Jordanes: De origine actibusque Getarum
• Orosius: Historium adversum Pagano VII 43, 4-7
• Olympiodorus of Thebes: Fragments