Tribigild

Tribigild (died 399 AD) was a Gothic chieftain who led a major revolt in Phrygia in 399 AD during the reign of the Eastern Roman Emperor Arcadius.

The primary source for information about Tribigild is the writings of the contemporary historian Zosimus. According to Zosimus, Tribigild was a Gothic leader who had previously served in the Roman army. He was stationed in Phrygia, possibly as a comes rei militaris, and appears to have had a grievance against the powerful eunuch Eutropius, the chief advisor to Arcadius. The exact nature of this grievance is debated, but it likely stemmed from broken promises or perceived slights related to land or status.

In 399 AD, Tribigild initiated a widespread rebellion in Phrygia. His forces ravaged the countryside, and attracted the support of other disaffected Goths and even some Roman deserters. The initial Roman response, under the command of several generals, proved ineffective. The imperial forces were defeated repeatedly, hampered by poor leadership and a lack of discipline.

The situation grew so dire that Eutropius dispatched the general Leo to quell the rebellion. Leo’s efforts also failed, further destabilizing the Eastern Roman Empire. Arcadius, under pressure from the populace and the military, eventually dismissed and exiled Eutropius, who was subsequently executed.

Following Eutropius's death, Gainas, a Gothic general within the Roman army, was appointed to deal with Tribigild. Gainas, however, secretly communicated with Tribigild and may have facilitated the rebel's continued success to further his own ambitions. Eventually, Gainas was forced to choose sides, openly allying himself with the Goths. However, his rebellion ultimately failed, and he was killed while attempting to cross the Hellespont.

While the revolt led by Gainas was quelled, Tribigild himself was killed in battle by troops loyal to Gainas after Gainas’s own rebellion turned against him. Tribigild’s rebellion highlights the precarious position of the Eastern Roman Empire in the late 4th century, heavily reliant on Gothic mercenaries and vulnerable to internal strife and barbarian incursions. It also demonstrates the power and influence of Gothic leaders within the Empire and the challenges faced by the emperors in maintaining control.