2020-09-03 Thu

Wamba was the king of the Visigoths from 672 to 680. During his reign, the Visigothic kingdom encompassed all of Hispania and part of southern Gaul known as Septimania.

According to one tradition, Wamba was born in Egitania, a modest village surrounded by Roman walls that is today called Idanha-a-Velha, and located to the northeast of Castelo Branco in Portugal. After ascending the throne on 1 September 672, Wamba faced a revolt from Hilderic, governor of Nimes, who had himself aspired to the kingship.

Wamba rebuilt the Roman walls around Toledo. He brought the Astures and Ruccones (Luggones) under his control and incorporated them into a new province. They had been fighting for their independence since the Visigothic invasions of the 5th century but now finally relented.

Depicted here is a Coin of Wamba bearing his effigy.

Image Source: Wikipedia.org