Theodoric the Great (c. 455–526)

King of the Ostrogoths 471–526. He led the Ostrogoths from the Danube frontier regions of the Roman Empire to conquer Italy, where he established a peaceful and prosperous kingdom. Although remembered for his benevolent rule in later years, Theodoric was ruthless in his efforts to attain power. He had no strong successor and his kingdom eventually became part of the Byzantine Empire of Justinian.

He succeeded his father Theodemir at a time when the Ostrogoths were divided between rival factions which were being played off against each other by the Eastern Roman Empire. Theodoric ended the conflict by murdering his rival in 481. He was given the rank of patrician and induced to invade Italy by the emperor Zeno, who wished to rid the Eastern Empire of the Ostrogoths. Theodoric led his entire people over the Alps into Italy where they fought against Odoacer's army of Germanic foederati who had been ruling Italy since 476. Although initially successful at the battles of Sontius and Verona in 489, Theodoric was defeated at Faenza in 490. He managed to finally destroy Odoacer's army at Adda in 490, with help from the Visigoths and Burgundians. Odoacer held out in Ravenna for another 21/2 years until a naval blockade combined with Theodoric's promise to share power induced him to sue for peace in 493. Theodoric broke his promise, murdered Odoacer, and massacred his troops, thus becoming sole ruler of Italy. He then established himself at Ravenna as king of the Ostrogoths and the emperor's representative in Italy. During his reign Theodoric successfully extended his borders, becoming master of all of Italy, Sicily, and much of Noricum, Dalmatia, and Pannonia (roughly southern Bavaria, western Austria, Slovenia, and Croatia). After the defeat of the Visigoths by the Franks and death of their king Alaric II (Theodoric's son-in-law) at Vouillé in 507, Theodoric's grandson Amalaric became king of the Visigoths, giving Theodoric virtual control over Spain and Provence.