Burdunellus

Burdunellus (meaning "little mule", possibly a nickname) was a Roman usurper of the late fifth century AD, recorded only briefly in the Consularia Caesaraugustana. Under 496 it is recorded that "he became a tyrant in Hispania", a phrase which, in the political language of the time and considering the nature of the source, must mean he tried to claim the imperial dignity and authority. He was eventually abandoned by his own supporters, who turned him over to Visigothic authorities and sent him to Tolosa, where he was burned to death inside a bronze bull, an unusual fate for a usurper but designed to humiliate. According to Arce, the impact of these aggressive interventions by Eurics' troops was such that this led to a reaction from the Roman upper class during the reign of Alaric II. Part of the society in Tarraconensis did not accept Visigothic rule and preferred to remain loyal to the Roman Empire. Burdunellus' proclamation as emperor fits into this. Initially, he did not act alone and could count on the support of others. This points to a regional elite that had sufficient resources to actually resist a Visigothic army. Despite this, Burdunellus did not enjoy the unconditional support of his followers. When it became clear that his usurpation offered no choice for a successful change of power, they turned against him.