Theodoric the Ostrogoth

Describe Theodoric's two sieges of Ravenna and his murder of Odoacer.

After Verona, Odoacer took refuge in Ravenna. The city was strongly fortified and Theodoric as unable to take it in his first attempt. After yet another defeat at the River Adda, Odoacer went back to Ravenna, where Theodoric was able to starve him out. A few days after finalizing a treaty with Odoacer, Theodoric murdered him at a banquet.

Why did the Roman Emperor Zeno make a friend of Theodoric? Did the friendship last?

Because of his own military and financial problems, and because of Theodoric's successes, Zeno decided to make a friend of him by giving him lands and the post of commander of the Imperial Guard. When he tired of having Theodoric at the capital, he sent him out against Odoacer.

Ostrogoths

Eastern Goths, originally from the Black Sea area; settled in modern-day Italy

Odoacer

Gothic general in Roman army; became king of Italy by removing Romulus Augustulus, the last Roman emperor in the West, in 476 A.D.

Who was Odoacer, and what is his significance in the history of Italy?

Odoacer was a Gothic general in the Roman army who deposed the last Western emperor. He declined to make himself emperor, but ruled instead as a patrician and king, effectively the first king of Italy.

Theodoric

Ostrogoth king; became king of Italy by murdering Odoacer

Emperor Zeno

Roman emperor; unpopular; created financial crises by mismanagement and disastrous campaigns

How did Theodoric's mother influence the second battle between Theodoric and Odoacer?

The second battle was fought at Verona, where Odoacer was again defeated. When Theodoric was nearly killed, his mother shamed his fleeing troops into turning and saving him.

Describe the movement of Theodoric and his people from their homeland into Italy.

Theodoric led his people, 250,000 of them with their belongings, from the Black Sea across the Alps into northern Italy. He had to fight battles and take prisoners along the way. By taking his entire population with him, he showed his confidence and intention to win.

Why was Theodoric sent to stay with Leo as a boy? Describe his treatment.

Thodoric was sent at the age of eight to the emperor Leo as a political hostage to guarantee a treaty between Leo and Theodemir, Theodoric's father. As was traditional, Theodoric as well-treated as a member of the household an was given a full education and military training.

treaty

formal agreement between states or forces

Romulus Augustulus

last emperor of the Western Roman Empire

patrician

male member of Roman upper class; senator

hostage

person held for ransom or as security

provisions

supplies, especially food