GIOVANNI DI BICLARO. - Of Gothic but Catholic parents, born c. 540 at Scallabis in Lusitania. He was exiled by Leovigildo from Barcellona on account of his religion. In 586 he founded the monastery of Biclaro-Valclara, near Tarragona (or rather near Bejar, according to the conjectures of Menéndez Pidal?). Elected bishop of Gérona in 590, he took part in various councils.
His Chronicle, written around 590, is the immediate continuation of that of Victor Tunonensis, and covers the years 567–87. Its value lies in its reliance on actual testimony concerning events and on other reliable information. His impartiality is famous, and admirable when one considers the conflicting interests of that milieu. He gives due weight to the standpoint of the Goths in Spain, colouring his History with a national tone. He also wrote, according to the assertion of Isidoro da Siviglia, a Rule for monks. He died c. 621.