'Theodoric the Goth' Summary

Theodoric the Great (c. 454 – 30 August 526), also known as Theodoric the Amal, was king of the Ostrogoths from 474 until his death in 526. During his reign, he established the Ostrogothic Kingdom in Italy, which lasted until 553. Theodoric was a skilled military leader and a wise and just ruler. He promoted religious tolerance and encouraged learning and the arts. Under his rule, Italy experienced a period of peace and prosperity. Theodoric was born in Pannonia, the son of Theodemir, king of the Ostrogoths. His mother was Erelieva, the daughter of Emperor Leo I. Theodoric spent his early years as a hostage in Constantinople, where he received a Roman education. In 474, he succeeded his father as king of the Ostrogoths. In 488, Theodoric was invited by Emperor Zeno to invade Italy and overthrow Odoacer, who had deposed the last Western Roman emperor, Romulus Augustulus, in 476. Theodoric defeated Odoacer in a series of battles and eventually besieged him in Ravenna. In 493, Odoacer surrendered and Theodoric entered Ravenna. He had Odoacer and his family killed, and established the Ostrogothic Kingdom in Italy. Theodoric ruled Italy for 33 years. He was a wise and just ruler, and he promoted religious tolerance and encouraged learning and the arts. Under his rule, Italy experienced a period of peace and prosperity. Theodoric died in Ravenna in 526, and was succeeded by his grandson, Athalaric.