575: A Hispano-Roman Visitor from the Visigothic Kingdom Observes Arab–Byzantine Relations

Abstract

The chronicle of the Hispano-Roman abbot John of Biclaro describes a meeting between the Ghassanid prince al-Munḏir b. al-Ḥāriṯ and the Byzantine emperor Tiberios in 575. This meeting is said to have facilitated a reconciliation between the two rulers which resulted in an exchange of gifts, and perhaps even some form of coronation for al-Munḏir. The chronicler’s brief passage does little to testify to the chronicler's deep insight into Arab–Byzantine relations. Nonetheless, it proves that a sixth-century Hispano-Roman chronicler from the Visigothic realm had some knowledge about the Arab groups who were operating in Constantinople's sphere of influence.