Ardo

Ardo, the last attested king of the Visigoths, ruled from either seven hundred thirteen or seven hundred fourteen until his death in seven hundred twenty or seven hundred twenty-one. His reign came at a time when the Visigothic Kingdom was significantly diminished in both power and territory, having been severely impacted by the Arab conquests that occurred in the preceding years.

Upon succeeding Achila II, Ardo's dominion was likely confined to Septimania and present-day Catalonia. By seven hundred sixteen, the Arab forces had crossed the Pyrenees, launching an invasion into Narbonensis, the final province under Gothic control. Over the next three years, Ardo is believed to have defended the remnants of the Visigothic kingdom, possibly meeting a fate similar to that of his predecessor, as the Arabs captured Narbonne and subsequently conquered the remaining territories of the once-mighty kingdom.

If Ardo is indeed to be identified with Ardobastus, he may have survived the invasion and entered into negotiations, representing Christians as the Count of the Christians of al-Andalus. This title would continue to be held by various individuals until at least the tenth century, with notable counts including Rabî’ ibn Theodulph, Abû Sa’îd al-Qûmis, a descendant of Ardabastus, and Mu’âwiya ibn Lubb.