12 - Theodoric the Goth by Thomas Hodgkin

Theodoric the Great (~454-526) was a pivotal figure in the history of the Ostrogoths during the waning days of the Western Roman Empire. After a tumultuous journey through the Balkans—where he alternated between alliances and conflicts with the Eastern Empire—he was invited by Emperor Zeno to invade Italy on the Empires behalf. Theodoric triumphed over the Germanic king Odovacar, who had previously deposed the last Emperor of the West, and went on to establish the Ostrogothic Kingdom in Italy. Known as the King of the Goths and Romans in Italy, he ruled with a focus on civilitas, ushering in an era marked by stability and prosperity. (Patrick Eaton)