Mausoleum of Theodoric and the Ostrogothic Empire

Theodoric the Great

• Established the Ostrogothic Empire.

• His successors faced conflicts with the Byzantine Empire.

• The Goths: debated whether they were a singular people or a coalition.

• Prosperity flourished under Theodoric but declined after his reign.

Ostrogoths

• Eastern tribe of the Goths, known for rising power north of the Black Sea.

• Name "Ostrogoth" means "Goths glorified by the rising sun."

• Roman writer Cassiodorus coined the term to distinguish between Ostrogoths (Eastern) and Visigoths (Western).

• Initially known as the Greuthungi as per historian Ammianus Marcellinus.

Historical Context

• Goths first appear in history around the Black Sea, launching incursions against Rome.

• Major displacement of Goths occurred after the Hunnic invasion in 375 CE, leading to formation of the Visigoths.

• Ostrogoths remained under Hunnic rule until declaring independence after Attila’s death in 453 CE.

Theodoric's Reign

• Theodoric conquered Italy (488-493 CE) and defeated Odoacer,

• Established flourishing empire from Sicily to parts of modern Spain and France.

• Promoted Roman art, culture, and religious tolerance between Nicene and Arian Christians.

• Initiated public works and education programs, emphasizing equality under the law.

Struggles After Theodoric

• After Theodoric's death in 526 CE, his daughter Amalasuntha ruled as regent.

• Political instability led to her being assassinated by Theodahad, whom she appointed for co-rule.

• Domestic issues exacerbated by corrupt tax officials and military discontent.

The Ostrogothic Wars

• General Justinian I sent Flavius Belisarius to regain control of Italy from Ostrogoths.

• Successive battles led to Gothic defeat and Belisarius occupying Rome.

• Political manipulation saw Ostrogothic nobility offering crown to Belisarius, which he declined.

Rise of Totila

• After initial Gothic leaders failed, Totila (Baduila) rose to king in 541 CE.

• He achieved significant military victories, gaining control over Italy.

Totila’s Campaign Against Rome

• Laid siege to Rome and offered Justinian I terms for peace which were refused.

• Belisarius’s counsel led Totila to abandon aggressive tactics.

• Following Belisarius's departure, Totila was ultimately defeated.

Fall of the Ostrogoths

• Totila was killed at the Battle of Taginae in 552 CE.

• The collapse of Ostrogothic power followed with Byzantine reassertion in Italy.

• Lombards conquered northern Italy in 568 CE, and Ostrogoths merged into the population, signaling the end of their identity.

Conclusion

• Cultural assimilation between Lombards, Romans, and Ostrogoths formed the foundation of Italian identity.

• The Ostrogoths eventually contributed to the ethnogenesis of the region but ceased to exist as a distinct entity.