Ostrogothic Kingdom

Quick Facts: Who was Ostrogothic Kingdom?

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Ostrogothic Kingdom

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A Germanic kingdom that controlled Italy from 493 to 553, preserving Roman institutions.

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Origins & Early Life

The Ostrogothic Kingdom, officially the Kingdom of Italy (Latin: Regnum Italiae), was a barbarian kingdom established by the Germanic Ostrogoths that controlled Italy and neighbouring areas between 493 and 553. Led by Theodoric the Great, the Ostrogoths killed Odoacer, a Germanic soldier and erstwhile leader of the foederati. Odoacer had previously become the de facto ruler of Italy following Odoacer's deposition of Romulus Augustulus, the final emperor of the Western Roman Empire, in 476. Under Theodoric, the Ostrogothic kingdom reached its zenith, stretching from Southern France in the west to Western Serbia in the southeast. Most of the social institutions of the late Western Roman Empire were preserved during his rule.

Career & Major Achievements

Theodoric called himself "King of the Goths and Romans" (Latin: Gothorum Romanorumque Rex), demonstrating his desire to be a leader for both peoples. After Theodoric, several other Ostrogoths ruled Italy for shorter periods of time, of which the first ones were still members of the Amal dynasty like Theodoric. Under Justinian I, however, the Byzantine Empire embarked on a campaign to reconquer Italy in 535. Witiges, who was the Ostrogothic ruler at that time, could not defend the kingdom successfully and was captured when the capital Ravenna fell. The Ostrogoths rallied around a new leader, Totila, and largely managed to reverse the conquest, but were eventually defeated.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The last king of the Ostrogothic Kingdom was Teia. The Ostrogoths were the eastern branch of the Goths. They settled and established a powerful state in Dacia, but during the late 4th century, they came under the dominion of the Huns. After the collapse of the Hunnic empire in 454, large numbers of Ostrogoths were settled by Emperor Marcian in the Roman province of Pannonia as foederati. Unlike most other foederati formations, the Goths were not absorbed into the structure and traditions of the Roman military but retained a strong identity and cohesion of their own.

Notable Quotes by Ostrogothic Kingdom

“Gothorum Romanorumque Rex”

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Ostrogothic Kingdom

True or False: “The Ostrogoths immediately adopted the full title of Western Emperor upon conquering Italy from Odoacer.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): Initially, Theodoric acted as an emperor's representative or viceroy, maintaining the outward forms of his subordinate position.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

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