Captivi et obsides en el Pirineo occidental (siglos V-VII d. C) [Captivi et obsides in the Western Pyrenees (V-VII centuries A.D.)]

Abstract

Since the arrival of the roman legions to the western Pyrenees region and the conquest of this territory –II-I centuries B. D.– until 672 A. D. the literary sources show the custom of taking hostages, obsides, and war prisoners, captivi, during the conquest or attack of the communities in the territory. The first references offer a quite concrete context though most of the mentions are concentrated between the V and VII centuries A. D. Some of the targets of these initiatives were to keep an agreement, obtain economic benefits or strengthen the position of the king or commanding leader of the attacking forces, but there could be other ones such as to force diplomatic contacts with the community where the prisoners belonged.