| Summary: | This paper discusses the historiographical work of Sampiro, a member of the circle of the kings of Leon around the year 1000. His chronicle emerges from a cultural and political atmosphere of renovation of the old Visigothic kingdom, and deals with the Asturleonese history of the tenth century. Sampiro’s idea of kingship is compared with different perspectives on kingship during the late Visigothic and Astur era. Our study deals with kingship and defines changes to the concept that took place during the period. In doing so, we refer to Sampirus’ sources and audience.The paper considers royal titles and epithets, both in chronicles and in documents. One of the major difficulties as well as the raison d’eˆtre of Sampiro’s chronicle is the reign of Bermudo II (d. 999), a king who endured violent rebellions and the continuous attacks of the Andalusian Caliphate. Sampiro’s treatment of Bermudo is innovative: he is considered a saint, not only in general Davidical terms, but by stressing his life as a passio: he was tormented by those who revolted against him. In this comparison, King Bermudo emerges as a martyr and the rebellious aristocracy a new Judas.
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