The unexpected collapse of the Visigothic kingdom was a historical catastrophe so absolute and of such caliber that it is not surprising that successive generations of historians have raised questions and proposed explanations for it. In this post we will answer the question of why a State that had managed to extend its power over the entire territory of the Narbonne Peninsula and Gaul, which had achieved its ethnic, religious and legal unity, collapsed so suddenly? Currently, the idea prevails that the rapid collapse of the Visigoths due to the Islamic invasion is due to internal causes, to the deep crisis in all orders in which the kingdom found itself at the beginning of the 8th century.
Eager to Obtain the Throne
In the forty years between the death of Recesvinto and that of Rodrigo, in five reigns, we find half a dozen conspiracies against the reigning sovereign that had wide repercussions (Duke Paulo) and even success (deposition of Wamba by Ervig).
On the other hand the pre-feudalism that is verified in this period meant an increase in noble clientele, which strengthened the powerful family clans , facing each other for the desire to reach the throne. The kings alternated behaviors of repression (Wamba, Egica) with others of amnesty and tolerance (Ervigio, Witiza) towards the nobility, which imprinted an unequal and insecure policy on the monarchy of the last period.
Economic Problems
Symptoms of decline can be seen in the socioeconomic field , sometimes produced by natural causes (pests, bad harvests) that undoubtedly had repercussions on demography. On the other hand, the famines suffered by large human contingents led the kings (Ervigio) to forgive unpaid back taxes.
Insecurity
This social discontent also determined an increase in escaped slaves , judging by the hardening of the laws in this regard at the beginning of the 8th century. These serfs dedicated themselves to banditry on the roads, sowing insecurity, according to contemporary testimonies, while on the other hand they stole arms from working the land. Legislation against the Jews was greatly tightened, as we have seen. We also have news of an increase in suicides (another way of fleeing an unbearable existence), as the bishops gathered in council lament.
Increase Tributes
The currency is degraded in this last period; to the good law and weight of the trientes of Recesvinto, even of Wamba, it is reached in the reign of Witiza to mint light coins and that hardly have gold. As a consequence, prices rise, taxes are often paid in kind and Ervigio reforms previous laws introducing new pecuniary fines, perhaps to increase the cash income of the hacienda.
Clergy Crisis
Within the clergy there was also a crisis of morals and customs, in which the debasement of the episcopate stands out, which forced the last councils to enact copious disciplinary legislation aimed at correcting abuses by the high clergy, which was part of the ruling minority powerful, and also of the common clergy immersed in unworthy habits and attitudes.
Conclusion
At the beginning of the 8th century, the Visigothic kingdom was immersed in a deep crisis that reduced its ability to resist, especially if we take into account the lack of interest in the service of arms that had moved Wamba to dictate his famous military law, largely repealed measure by Ervigio, and the division of the army between the warring clans of Witizanos and Rodriguistas.