The war began with Liuvigild's conquest of vast territories around the Pisuerga River valley in 569/570, including the cities of Palencia, Zamora, and Leon.[1] Around the same time, the Suebi king Theodemir died and was succeeded by Miro.
To avenge this loss of territory, Miro invaded Cantabria and other adjacent lands. His efforts would prove to be futile, however, as Liuvigild reconquered Cantabria by 574 and captured Saldana, Asturias. Additionally, he conquered Zamora and Salamanca from the Suebi in 573.[2][3] Desperate, Miro attempted to contact the Frankish king Guntram for help, but the envoys were intercepted by Chilperic I of Neustria, an ally of Liuvigild.[4] Liuvigild's attacks resumed in 575 when he conquered Ourense from the Suebi and captured its Hispano-Roman lord Aspidius, causing Miro to accept a peace treaty.[3][4]
When prince Hermenegild revolted against Liuvigild in support of Nicene Christianity over his father's Arian faith, Miro sought to capitalize on Liuvigild's downfall and began marching to Hermenegild's aid in Seville. Before reaching the city, however, a conference held between the two kings caused Miro to return to Galicia. Back home, he contracted a sickness from the poor Baetican air and water, dying in 583.[4] He was succeeded by his adolescent son Eboric.
