John of Biclar and his "Chronicle" (Spain)

Abstract

John of Biclar, a Gothic abbot (later bishop) in sixth-century Spain, wrote a chronicle in Latin for the years A.D. 567 to 590 in the tradition of Christian chronicles begun by Eusebius of Caesarea. He records a period of political consolidation of the Spanish peninsula under the Arian Visigothic king, Leovigild, as well as events during the reigns of the contemporary Roman emperors. John's accomplishment is unusual for a Goth at this time, as is his education in Greek and Latin, received during a stay of seventeen years in Constantinople. John's Chronicle reflects ideas from his predecessors (Victor of Tunnuna and Prosper of Aquitaine) as well as Byzantine and Gothic influences. An English translation of the Chronicle is included in this study.