Theodoric the Great
~454–526 · Ostrogothic (Pannonia / Ravenna, Italy) · Late Antiquity, Migration Period
Known for: Ostrogothic king who ruled Italy wisely for 33 years—the best post-Roman ruler of the early medieval period
Theodoric was raised as a hostage in Constantinople, educated in Roman culture, then sent to Italy by the Eastern Emperor to overthrow Odoacer. He ruled Italy for 33 years, preserving Roman institutions, repairing aqueducts, and maintaining peace between Goths and Romans.
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