Theodoric Founds the Ostrogothic Kingdom of Italy
Theodoric had spent ten years as a hostage in Constantinople, an education that gave him intimate knowledge of Roman administration, culture, and politics. In 488 CE, Zeno offered him a solution: lead the Ostrogoths to Italy and deal with Odoacer. Theodoric crossed the Alps in 489 CE, defeated Odoacer, then besieged him at Ravenna for three years. In 493 CE Odoacer surrendered after a negotiated treaty guaranteeing his life. Within days, Theodoric invited him to a banquet and killed him personally. Theodoric ruled Italy for 33 years in a remarkable experiment in Roman-Gothic coexistence. He maintained the Roman administrative system intact, with Roman senators serving in civil posts and Goths serving as warriors. He employed the philosopher Boethius and administrator Cassiodorus.
- Year: 489 CE
- Category: Political
