Theodoric led the Ostrogoths—women and children as well as
warriors-- across the Alps and came down to meet Odoacer and his soldiers in
battle. After suffering several defeats, Odoacer shut himself up in the strong
fortress of Ravenna. Theodoric could not capture the place and at last agreed
to share with Odoacer the government of Italy, if the latter would surrender.
The agreement was never carried into effect. When Theodoric entered Ravenna, he
invited Odoacer to a great feast and at its conclusion slew him in cold blood.
Theodoric had now no rival in Italy.
THEODORIC KING OF ITALY, 493-526 A.D.
Though Theodoric gained the throne by violence and
treachery, he soon showed himself to be, as a ruler, wise, broad-minded, and
humane. He had lived as a youth in the imperial court at Constantinople and
there had become well acquainted with Roman ideas of law and order. Roman
civilization impressed him; and he wished not to destroy but to preserve it.
Theodoric reigned in Italy for thirty-three years, and during this time the
country enjoyed unbroken peace and prosperity.
