This article was first published in the English Historical Review in 1906.

Although not of the same importance as the two former titles, "The Fall of the Visigothic Power in Spain" is still a useful summary of the shadowy events that led to the fall of the Visigothic kingdom in Spain in 711. This booklet should if possible be read in conjunction with the more recent work by Edward Arthur Thompson, The Goths in Spain (Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1969). Thompson corrects a few minor mistakes, for instance clarifying the situation regarding certain cities and the Roman possessions in Spain, and the position of the Visigothic kings vis-a-vis the clergy and the nobles.

A minor omission, on which Thompson has nothing to add, is found in the description of how the lands in Spain were originally divided between the Visigothic invaders and the resident Romans. It has frequently been said that the land was divided in the proportion of two-thirds to the Gothic nobility and one-third to the Romans. However, only the immense estates of the senatorial class were affected. These were divided, but contemporary accounts show that many if not most of the Roman owners, unless perhaps absentee landlords, were indeed happy with the arrangement.

The presence of the Goths ensured a ready access to a military force, which kept the remaining part of their estate free from other, more brutal enemies, such as the Suebi or the Basques. As for the Visigoths, such a land division was nothing new; the Late Roman army had relied on similar methods to support its troops while in barracks. And the Visigoths had first entered Spain as Imperial troops.

So how is the current reader of "The Fall of the Visigothic Power in Spain" best served? In the use its author makes of the source usually referred to as the historical chronology of Isidore of Beja (Isidorus Pacensis), which extends from the year 610 to the year 754. Herein we can read of the last Visigothic king of Spain, Roderick, and how the Moors invaded Spain. But we have to read with caution. Thompson flatly ignores this source, as he considers it too unreliable. However, by reading with caution, which R. Dykes Shaw has done, much can be gained.

So, to summarise, read Thompson for the history of Visigothic Spain, but read this booklet for an account of the actual fall of the Visigothic kingdom. And that is, after all, exactly what the author set out to describe. Again I do not hesitate to recommend this booklet to anybody interested in the period. The price alone makes it a worthwhile addition to one's library.

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