Dictionary of Greek and Roman Biography and Mythology/Hermericus

HERMERICUS, king of the Suevi, who, in conjunction with the Vandals and Alans, entered Spain, A. D. 409. The Suevi occupied a considerable part of Gallaecia, in the N.W. part of Spain; but the rest of the Gallaecians retained their independence; and, though apparently unsupported by the troops of the empire, carried on an obstinate and desultory warfare with the invaders. In A. D. 419 war broke out between Hermeric and his former allies, the Vandals, who, under their king Gunderic, attacked the Suevi in the mountains of Nervasi or Nerbasis (Tillemont understands the mountains of Biscay, but we rather identify them with the mountains of Gallicia or of Portugal, N. of the Douro); but the Vandals were recalled to their own settlements in Baetica, by the advance of the Roman troops into Spain. In their retreat they had a severe conflict at Bracara (Braga), in which they slew many of the Suevi. In A. D. 431 Hermeric, who had coneluded peace with the independent portion of the Gallaecians, broke the treaty, and ravaged their territory; but, failing to reduce their strongholds, restored his captives, and renewed the peace. Next year (A. D. 432) he broke it again; and Idatius, the chronicler, was sent to Aёtius, the patrician, then in Gaul, to solicit help. In A. D. 433 Idatius, accompanied by Count Censorius, returned to Spain, and by his intervention peace was made, but was not ratified by the court of Valentinian III. In A. D. 437 Censorius was sent again to Hermeric, and in 438 peace was concluded. Hermeric resigned his crown the same year to his son Rechilda, having been suffering for four years from some disease, of which he died, three years after his abdication (A. D. 441). Isidore of Seville says he reigned 14 years, which, reckoned back from his abdication (A. D. 438), carries us to 424. As this was long after his invasion and settlement in Gallaccia, it perhaps marks the epoch of his recognition by the Romans of the Western Empire. (Idatius, Chromcon; Isid. Hispal. Histor. Suevor.; Tillemont, Hist. des Elmp. vol. v. vi.) [J.C. M.]