Career

He succeeded Reccared at only eighteen years of age. From his position of power at the head of the army, he surrounded himself with people in his confidence. When it came time to expel the Byzantines, Witteric instead used his troops to strike at the king (Spring 603).

Invading the royal palace, and deposing the young king, he counted on the support of a faction of nobles in opposition to the dynasty of Leovigild.

Witteric cut off the king"s right hand and later had him condemned and executed (Summer 603).