This thesis analyses the relationship between Church and State in Visigothic Spain. Although there has been an upsurge of scholarly interest, Visigothic Spain is woefully understudied relative to other Barbarian Kingdoms, such as Francia. This is due in part to the paucity of substantial literary resources, which makes it difficult to study the politics and culture of Visigothic Spain to the same level. However, we can still learn a considerable amount from these limited sources about the nature of the Visigothic relationship between Church and State. Of particular use are the works of Sozomen, Socrates Scholasticus, and Auxentius, as well as Visigothic law codes, council documents, and the Vitas Sanctorum Patrum Emeritensium, all of which explore from different angles the tensions and alliances between secular and religious powers. From them emerge new understandings of religious doctrine, political motivations, social networks, and the position of Visigothic bishops. The creed signed at the Council of Rimini is traditionally considered to have been the creed followed by the Visigoths in Spain. However, the events surrounding the Council and the later Gothic mass conversion to Christianity, suggest that this was not the case. This thesis will aim to prove that the creed signed at the Council of Constantinople in 381 was the official doctrine followed by the Visigoths in Spain. The isolation of Visigothic bishops from the King and each other allowed the bishops to become both the religious and civil leader of their see. The Kings attempted to unify the Kingdom through law and religious doctrine, but the strained relationship between Church and State prevented this from becoming a reality. In the end, this created an unstable and non-centralised form of government, which resulted in the eventual downfall of the Visigothic Kingdom.

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This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. To ensure a quality reading experience, this work has been proofread and republished using a format that seamlessly blends the original graphical elements with text in an easy-to-read typeface. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.