Gundemaro - Madrid, Spain
N 40° 25.003 W 003° 41.296
30T E 441608 N 4474237
This statue of Gundemaro (aka Gundemar) is located in the Parque del Buen Retiro in Madrid, Spain.
Waymark Code: WMGF1V
Location: Comunidad de Madrid, Spain
Date Posted: 02/24/2013
Views: 6
ABOUT THE STATUE:
The statue is one of many statues of the Spanish monarchy located along the Paseo de la Argentina (more commonly known as the Paseo de las Estatuas or Statue Walk). The statues were built between 1750 and 1752 as decorations for the Royal Palace, but King Charles III ordered them removed because he thought they made the palace look too baroque.
This stone statue depicts Gundemaro standing straight forward but with his head angled to the left as if looking at something in that direction. He is wearing a long robe, a cape, and a crown on his head. On his left hip hangs a dagger. His left hand hangs down against his left side. His right hand hangs down against his right side but is holding a scroll. He sports long hair, a beard, and a mustache.
Etched on the statue's base:
Gundemaro.
M°. A°. de 612.
ABOUT THE MAN:
"Gundemar was a Visigothic King of Hispania, Septimania and Galicia (610–612).
Gundemar continued a policy of amity with Clotaire II of Neustria and Theodobert II of Austrasia. To this end, he sent grand sums of money to support their cause against their relative (cousin and brother, respectively) Theuderic II of Burgundy. At other times, he demonstrated a politic of hostility against Brunhilda.
According to Isidore of Seville, Gundemar made one expedition against the Basques, then besieged the Byzantines in the next. He died a natural death in Toledo, probably in February or March 612. The Chronica Regum Visigotthorum records that Gundemar reigned for one year, ten months and 14 days. He was succeeded by Sisebut."
-- Source