Goiswintha

Goiswintha or Goisuintha was a Visigothic queen consort of Hispania and Septimania. She was the wife of two kings, Athanagild and Liuvigild. The Visigothic Kingdom during the late 6th century was going through a period of political and religious transformation. Located on the Iberian Peninsula, the kingdom incorporated many Roman traditions, laws, and religious practices as much of their population was Catholic, while the ruling elite were still Arian Christian. As queen, Goiswintha played a crucial role in the religious conflicts between Arians and Catholics. Goiswintha's actions, including her resistance to the Catholic conversion of her family members and her involvement in politics, reflected the religious transformation that happened in her time. Goiswintha’s fervent push to keep Arianism in the limelight in her kingdom would lead to a major rebellion led by her stepson, Hermenegild. She would also lead a conspiracy against her other stepson, Reccared, which would lead to the end of her life. These events would be the end of the religious war against Arians and Nicene Christianity.