Legatum Gentis Gothorum

[john trask]

"Volume 1: History of the Goths: 476-769"

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"Since I took Rome with my own hands, no one has dared to underestimate the power of the Goths." - Alaric, King of the Goths (395-410)

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Psalms: "The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him." - Psalm 28:7



Preface:

The history of the Goths is an epic that shaped the Western world, spanning centuries of conquests, alliances, and cultural changes from their rise in the twilight of the Roman Empire to their enduring influence in Europe. This work is divided into four volumes, each narrated through the perspectives of four different chroniclers: Gothic, Byzantine, Islamic, and finally Hebrew. These diverse viewpoints and cultural contexts from their respective times perceived the people who changed the history of Western and Middle Eastern civilizations.

Prologue
At the twilight of the 5th century, the world found itself amidst a whirlwind of chaos and transformation. The majestic pillars of the Western Roman Empire, which had upheld civilization for centuries, crumbled under the weight of barbarian invasions and internal crises. In the fateful year of 476, Romulus Augustulus, the last emperor, was deposed by Odoacer, a Germanic leader whose sword ended an era and marked the beginning of another.
Italy, the heart of ancient Rome, now lay under Odoacer's dominion. He ruled in the name of the Eastern Emperor, Zeno, yet wielded absolute power. Meanwhile, in the distant lands of the East, the Ostrogoths, a proud and warrior-like branch of the Goths, prepared to write their own chapter in history.

Theodoric, known as Theodoric the Great, ascended to the throne of the Ostrogoths in 474. Raised as a hostage in the splendid Constantinople, Theodoric had learned the arts of war and diplomacy at the emperor's court. Now, as leader of his people, his gaze turned towards Italy, a wealthy and fragmented land ripe for the taking.

Thus begins our chronicle, on the threshold of a new era where ancient gods and heroes yield their place to new figures of power and glory. This is the tale of the Goths, descendants of Gothus, heirs to a legacy forged on the steppes and cemented in the fires of battle. Here unfolds their story, from the collapse of the Western Roman Empire to the grand aspirations of Theodoric and beyond.

In this Anno Domini 476, destinies intertwine, and the Goths, with their steel and determination, prepare to reclaim their place in the eternal tapestry of history.
​

• 

Hello, this is my first AAR and I've been on this site for many years. I'd like to throw my hat in the ring and feedback would be greatly appreciated.

We'll be playing as the Ostrogoths in the Fallen Eagle mod.

The AAR will be divided into four volumes: the first will cover 476-769, the second 769-1000, the third 1000-1200, and the fourth 1200-1453.

Mods used: Historic Invasion, Clear Notification, Rice, Flavor Pack submod Fallen Eagle, More Cultural Names, Better Barbershop, Buffed Mongol Invasion.

Primary objectives:

1. Conquer the Kingdom of Italy.
2. Control the Western Mediterranean.
3. Reform Christianity for the Ostrogoths and make it the dominant religion in Europe.
4. Play from 476 to 1453.

​

 

[john trask]

bellum thervingian ( War of thervingius)

In the year of our Lord, January 1st, 476, a war raged in the fields of Moesia between two descendants of Berig from Scythia (Gothland). One of them, Theodoric who would be known as the Arian, and the other Theodoric of the Thervingians. The reason for the war was the fall of Basiliscus and the rise of Zeno. Theodoric of the Thervingians wanted to be appointed as Praefectus of Moesia and consequently king of the Ostrogoths, something that Theodoric the Arian refused to allow. The blessed Augustus Zeno feared that he would usurp the new Isaurian dynasty. Therefore, he sent a messenger on October 23rd, 476, appointing Theodoric of the Ostrogoths as Magister Militum.

This would unleash a chain of events that would alter the course of Gothic history forever. Theodoric of the Thervingians declared war on Theodoric of the Ostrogoths. Theodoric of the Ostrogoths, seizing the opportunity, fortified the Danube frontier and allied himself with the chieftain of the Gepids, Guiesmus, through marriage to his sister Malfrida, thus securing control over the Thracian border.

Taking advantage of this, he gathered his forces and met the Thervingians at the fortress of Elena in the region of Comes Zikideva, catching the Thervingians by surprise and massacring them on October 20th, 477. This decisive victory over the Thervingians enabled him to seize control of all Moesia once and for all.

While all this was happening, news reached the new Magister Militum, something that shook the entire world. The famous words of Theodoric are as follows: "Oh, what sins have we committed, for the emperor, master of the entire world, to be humiliated in such a way. Had the men of the Imperator not informed me, I would have thought they were speaking blasphemy."


Concursores in mundo

On January 14th, 477, while the Thervingian War persisted, Zeno attempted to place a claimant in the western part of the empire. At the same time, he stationed messengers along the Danube to maintain control over the river and its Gothic foederati.

Battle of Samnium, February 25th, 477

. The decisive Battle of Samnium took place on February 25th, 477, where the Byzantine forces solidified their control before heading towards Rome and seizing the heart of central Italy.

Zeno Entering Rome (April 14th, 477)

He was received with great pomp by Pope Symmachus himself at the Lateran Palace. Leaving a Byzantine garrison and accompanied by a large host, he proceeded to Ravenna to place his claimant on the imperial throne, his Magister Officiorum, Agathias Decius.

Decius El Ilustress


Everything seemed to be falling into place. The Caesar was reaffirming his authority before the world by the grace of God. But alas, how fickle fortune is, and how God punishes the foolish.

While the emperor pursued and sought the Heruli, they fell upon him in the Po Valley. Not since the wars of Viriathus had anyone humiliated the Roman Empire with such force on its own soil. To add salt to the wound, they captured Zeno himself on July 12th, 477—what worse way to mark this than with the date given by Julius Caesar himself.

Battle of the Po (July 12th, 477)


After capturing Zeno, Odovacar forced him to kneel like a servant. With great pomp, he stripped him of the same imperial insignia that he had taken from Romulus Augustulus just a year earlier. Zeno was then compelled to sign a decree naming him the Exarch of Italy. These revelations sent shockwaves throughout the orbe —the insignia of Caesar had been taken twice by the same barbarian, Odovacar.

In his words to Augustus, never had mercy sounded so venomous until that moment. Odovacar asked the emperor, "What would you have done to me, Caesar, if you had won?" To which the emperor replied, "I would have paraded you through the streets of Constantinople as my victory trophy in a triumphal march." Odovacar responded, "I will do something worse—I let you live."
How much worse could death have been? The Isaurians, those mountaineers from the Taurus, were just beginning with Zeno, and now they faced the risk of being usurped all within a single year. Little did history know that after this event, the fate of the Ostrogoths and the Isaurians would become irrevocably intertwined.




donum imperiale

In August of 478, Theodoric and his army of Ostrogoths approached Constantinople, nearing the city to claim his position as Magister Militum and Praetor of Moesia. As he drew closer, he beheld once again the city where his ambitions for the world, Constantinople, had taken root.

And to his surprise, the Isaurian soldiers opened the gates for him in a triumphal manner. The people saw him and bowed, showering him with roses according to Malchus.

"They treated the Goth like a general returning from great campaigns, receiving him with high honors. He bowed before the image of the Theotokos and was carried in procession before the Autokrator."

(Theodoric Procesion in Konstantinopolis)


Entering the throne room, he saw Emperor Zeno seated on his throne and bowed. Saying, "Oh Augustus, my heart rejoices that you have returned safely. The whole world rejoices, and I have come to offer you my service." Zeno responded, "For your service, the position of Magister Militum is conferred upon you. Furthermore, your alliance with Theodoric Strabo is more than I could ask for. For this service, I offer you the hand of my niece, Logina, in marriage."

Theodoric could not believe the fortune that God had granted him. The Ostrogoths would now be allied with the purple of the Isaurian dynasty. In just one year, the Goths had risen from a mere border post to the pinnacle of Byzantine politics, under the patronage of the Isaurians. Such was the surprise of the court that a foolish senator exclaimed, "Oh, Rome has truly fallen; we are governed by mountaineers from Pannonia and Isauria."

In Thrace, Dacia, and Pannonia, an enormous procession of Isaurian and Ostrogothic soldiers could be heard as they made their way to Nikopolis to celebrate the wedding between Theodoric, the new godson of Zeno, and his niece Logina. The procession was resplendent and majestic.



"La Coniuratio de Nikopoli"

Theodomir, Theodoric's brother, and the Ostrogoths were astonished by the news. They prepared the entire banquet and wedding ceremony. For the Ostrogoths, this event became known as the Purple Wedding. Never before had they felt so closely tied to an imperial dynasty. They were not only receiving their king and a Roman princess but also the Imperator himself.

The Ostrogoths, along with Theodoric himself, lifted Zeno on a great shield, reaffirming their loyalty. Zeno himself said, "Since I assumed the purple, I have never felt more among friends than with the Goths."

After the great celebration, both the Emperor and the King found themselves alone in the empty banquet hall. According to a chronicler, the conversation went as follows:

---

Zeno: Have you heard what happened in Italy? The treacherous Odovacar has taken the imperial insignia from me, and in Constantinople, many plot to overthrow the emperor chosen by Leo himself.

Theodoric: Who would dare to threaten your life, my lord? My sword and that of the Goths belong to you.

Zeno: I fear I will need those swords for the good of both Constantinople and the orbe. The foolish Odovacar has taken the imperial insignia from me, and there is no way to reject this dishonor.

Theodoric: Allow me to offer myself. I will go to Italy and recover the insignia, restoring your honor. All I ask in return are the green pastures of Italy for my people.

Zeno: If you can restore my honor, I will make you Praefectus Occidentalis.

Theodoric knelt before Zeno and promised to restore his honor.

Theodoric: Now we are blood relatives. The wolf and the bull are united. Your dishonor is the dishonor of the Goths.

They spent the entire night discussing how to avenge the dishonor, and the next morning, Zeno departed back to Constantinople with a new contingent of Gothic soldiers heading to the capital.

Vandali matrimonium

After Zeno's departure, Theodoric, seated on his throne, summoned his count, Hildebrand of Mesembria, to send him to Carthage. His mission was to offer Theodoric's daughter, Theodota, and his son, Fastila, in marriage to secure access to the Vandal fleet. The conspiracy had to be carried out as discreetly as possible, as this marriage would be of vital importance for the future.

The nuptials were set for March 18th, 480. King Thaudaric had accepted the pact with the Goths, agreeing to provide ships for their campaign in Italy. The conspiracy was now in motion.

Saccus Daciae

The next part of the plan involved securing the necessary funds for the campaign. Theodoric, with cunning befitting a true leader, planned a punitive attack against the Vicar Camudus, who was on pilgrimage to Hellas to offer sacrifices to the gods. During this time, a Christian revolt erupted, and Theodoric seized the opportunity to ostensibly rid himself of this pagan threat and protect the Christians.

However, the reality was different: it was all part of Zeno's strategy to keep his potential enemies in check. By turning a blind eye to Theodoric's actions, he allowed him to plunder cities in Dacia for wealth, while simultaneously sending a powerful message to potential contenders for the imperial throne. The message was clear: with the Goths' sword by his side, Zeno, the Isaurian emperor, was not to be challenged.

Thus, cities burned and gold flowed into Theodoric's coffers. Under the emperor's protection, he grew stronger day by day, preparing for the great enterprise that lay ahead.

Surprising everyone, Theodoric laid direct siege to the capital of Dacia, Branicevo.

Annihilating the garrison of Sagdium in the process, according to the chronicles, they left no house, pagan temple, or palace unspoiled. They respected the churches and places of worship, but all pagan temples were set ablaze in religious fervor sparked by the popular Christian revolt. When the Vicar returned from his pilgrimage, he found his capital destroyed and his subjects clamoring, "Convertere aut mori" (Convert or die).

While these events unfolded, Theodoric, encircling the city of Narssus, received a messenger bearing an additional bounty of gold—reportedly, 200 chests of gold—in exchange for halting the siege. Theodoric, showcasing his leadership to his men, opened the chest and allowed his soldiers to partake of its contents. He accepted the surrender, thus concluding the pillaging of Dacia. With these newfound riches, he now possessed the means for the conquest of Italy. Yet, a looming situation risked unraveling all their carefully laid plans.


Defectio Africae Septentrionalis

In the year of our Lord 429, Genseric founded the Vandal Kingdom with a force of approximately 15,000 Vandals amidst a Roman populace numbering three million. Despite this numerical disparity, Genseric rose to prominence as the paramount barbarian king of the 5th century. Yet, within his realm, tensions simmered between the minority Vandal Arians and the native Chalcedonian Christian clergy, who numbered over three million strong. Adding to the kingdom's challenges were relentless assaults from Berber tribes.

Following Genseric's demise, his son Huneric briefly held the throne before passing, leading to the ascension of his brother Theodatus. These frequent changes in leadership sparked sporadic succession crises, culminating in a widespread revolt for independence across Africa, spearheaded by the Vandal aristocracy, particularly the Hunsings, kin to Genseric himself.

Desperate, Theodatus sent a pair of his finest ships to Illyria to plead for Gothic assistance. Understanding the critical nature of this alliance, Theodoric had no choice but to respond. He boarded the ships and sailed for North Africa. It was this war that would make Theodoric's name known throughout the Mediterranean, for without him, the Vandal kingdom might have fallen a century earlier. Risking even the security of the Gepid king Gaismund, whose death had left the frontier in doubt, Theodoric embarked for North Africa, where his actions would be recognized across the known world.

 

[Killcrazy13]

Very fun read. Captures that era of barbarians crossing the borders and crashing the party very well.

The Romans are dominated by barbarians and tbe Goths are making hay.

 

[Lord Durham]

Very nice work. It looks like Theodoric is your military equivalent of Flavius Belisarius, just 50 years earlier.

 

[High Speed Flying Gladius]

Fallen eagle AAR? Now that's interesting!

Following and waiting for more!

 

[jak7139]

An excellent start! Congratulations on starting your first AAR!

 

[Nikolai]

Wonderful start. Seems Rome is ascendant again through the Goths.

 

[john trask]

Libycae defectionis

As the fleet approached, they noticed the lights of the Vandal king's camp in Numidia, about 100 kilometers from the capital, encircling the city of Silyana and setting up camp. Upon their arrival, there was a sudden surge of morale among the king's armies. Three thousand Ostrogothic soldiers, led by the Emperor’s own son-in-law, struck their shields with their spears. It is said, "King Theodomir seemed a small man in the presence of the Goth, despite his golden, jewel-encrusted armor. Theodoric's regal bearing outshone even the glitter of his armor."

(Rex Theodomirus)



When Theodomiro explained the situation to Theodoric the Goth, he grew increasingly tense. The entire country had risen in revolt, from Libya to Numidia, compounded by the presence of numerous bandits. They knew nothing about the Balearic Islands, where most of the fleet was stationed. Essentially, they had 5,000 soldiers: 3,000 Goths and 2,000 of Theodomiro's men, against 4,000 rebel Libyan soldiers. Additionally, there was uncertainty regarding the Balearic fleet—whether they would come to reinforce the rebels or aid them. The three ships they had were their only means of support.

Despite the situation, Theodoric offered the command staff to Theodomiro, saying, "It is your kingdom, fight for it." Theodomiro seemed indecisive. From this, Theodoric saw the situation clearly—the king was incompetent. The one truly in control was his wife, Thiudano Maximina.

In a display of power, Theodoric had King Theodomiro leave to speak with his wife in her own tent. This perfidious woman was vindictive, avaricious, and a Jezebel of the shadows, with rumors circulating that she had killed relatives with her own hands.

Theodoric: "Now I see why the kingdom has revolted, led by a woman of all things. From now on, I am the Magister Militum. Your king will follow my commands to the letter. In return, your son will marry Theodota when he comes of age, and your ships will be at my service."

Thiudano- I will do what you ask Magister save my kingdom and

Theodoric- Silence

The queen remains silent

Theodoric- You are NOT going to tell me what to do from now on I am the Magister totalis of the whole campaign make your husband do everything I order because we have enemies everywhere.

Thiudano nods and then leaves the tent theodomiro enters in his place.


Theodoricus continues to look at him with disdain and then thoughtfully explains - I had a dream I saw a bunch of jackals devouring a man with a jeweled crown as I understood the man knew about the jackals and yet he risked to walk in front of the coast and I saw how they devoured him I thought it was a dream but now I see it was a harbinger of danger but not for bravery only for stupidity.

Theodomiro was silent and ashamed but theodorico said to him this is your moment show that you are a real king let's not let the jackals devour your kingdom you are with me to which theodomiro raises and nods

After this supposed conversation, according to the chronicler Jordanees theodoric ordered together with theodomiro a risky bet to sail from Carthage Nova to the Balearic Islands and take the islands were an inconvenience that could make the situation more precarious than it already was. So they prepared the fleet consisting of three triremes and the coalition of Vandals and Goths, more than 5000 men in total, got on board.

(Landing in Majorca and Menorca June 1, 485)

The assault on Mellorca is perhaps one of the most risky military operations and made during late antiquity Three Vandal ships supported the whole exercise leaving the entire flank unprotected flank spent the days the tension was constant reached Mallorca and were quickly sighted so without time to rest both islands were assaulted by a hungry and tired army taking the ports and therefore all the ships of the Vandala army now returned to be available to Theodoric and Theodomiro

According to a Jordanian chronicler: They spent two weeks at sea not knowing whether the Balearic Islands were with them or against them, the Goths arrived at night like hungry wolves, stormed the port of Palma for food, besieged the capital and put the aristocracy to the sword, gorged themselves with food, while in Mallorca the Vandals were reinforced from Sardinia, maintaining their loyalty to Theodomiro.

According to the sources, thanks to the reinforcements from Sardinia, Theodoric now had the advantage of maritime and total movement with the security of the rearguard, they stayed several days on the island to recover. According to an anecdote, a messenger brought a letter that raised the morale of the Ostrogoths, Theodoric never rejoiced until that moment Logina had given birth to a child Athalaric on January 7, 485.

After that with the largest army in the west with theodoric at the head with more than 7000 goths men Vandals isaurians and sardinians landed in tanger surprising the western forces of the numidian rebels and assaulted the fortresses of Constantine. Nabanna Theodomyrus surprised theoderic his knowledge of the terrain allowed the army to move with numidia assaulting all the coastal forts January 1, 487 theoderic's words to thedomyrus gave him a reassurance he lacked now you are a king.

On May 7, in front of Cartago Nova, the place where Theodoric had landed 5 years ago and where Scipion confronted Hannibal, Theodoric and Theodomyrus met against the Libyan rebel Hegatus, and perhaps one of the greatest battles of the 5th century took place.

They were four thousand Libyans against a coalition of Goths Vandals isauricos and Sardinians commanded by theodoric this putting the Goths in front waited for Hegato came in a quick attack and was not disappointed came to the front and this was surprised by cavalry The Libyans were screaming and trying to flee, one man was killed and then they chased Hegatus until they captured him, put him on a donkey and carried him through the streets of Carthage Nova naked and with his tongue cut out.



The campaign had started with everything against Theodoric and now it seemed that it was totally the other way around but he had managed to pacify the north of Africa despite having the numerical advantage totally against him now he had at his disposal 7000 men the largest western army these feats made the prestige of Theodoric and the Amalas dynasty rise to an indisputable height from Toulouse to Constantinople consolidating Theodoric as the greatest general of the West since Aetius.

Ave rex deos rident
On his return to Pannonia Theodoric was received triumphantly and in his court a blacksmith known as Guneaida introduced herself and said to him "Your exploits precede you oh rex Gestae allow me to build you a Diadem worthy of the greatest General of the East and son-in-law of the Emperor" to which Theodoric replied "You are right, someone who is the son-in-law of the Imperial family deserves something that represents his status. replied you are right someone who is the son-in-law of the imperial family deserves something that represents his status the coffers are open give me the crown Guneaida bowed and went to make the Crown even though it would not be used beyond theodoric it represents the Amala dynasty to this day.

At the same time this event occurred Ostrogota oh the precious theogota had come of age she was a beautiful woman who in the end would bring anguish to both father and son.

As an omen that fortune is fickle Eusebia theodoric's mother had died peacefully while on her way back from North Africa Theodoric mourned for three days.

After a period of mourning he decided to make a perenigration to Jerusalem God had given him many victories but the death of his mother gave him back his humility memento Mori You too will die what God gives He can take away before leaving Guneaida gave him a beautiful silver crown with the initials Eusebia on the top even though it was a bitter touch she thanked him for his services and he could remain in the court as he wished.

He boarded a small humble boat and crossed the Aegean to Jerusalem spending several days in seclusion praying for the soul of his mother until he visualized the port of Ascalon from there he went down and the prefect of Oriens hearing that he was coming sent a group of soldiers to escort him to the city when theodoric saw him he marveled Yerusalem the land where david founded his capital the land where the messiah walked.

But not everything was pure solenmity theodoric seemed like a child touring the holy places on the way to the holy sepulcher he became friends with the patriarch of Jerusalem with whom he engaged in some friendly debates about the nature of Christ which was still much debated at the time and in the end they became friends.

When he returned to Nikopolis he was greeted by his brother Theodomyrus with a letter that Zenon had died of old age and his son occupied the imperial throne.

Theodoric quickly got down to work, the whole conspiracy was in danger of falling apart, he needed the approval of the Autokrator to be able to have Italy, for this he planned a psychological attack on the Romanoi, he besieged the city of Adrianople and reopened an old wound in the Roman psyche of 115 years, the battle of Adrianople in 376, while this was happening he also found out other news: Odoacer had died two years ago by self-flagellation and now his son Thela was reigning.

( The second Sack and battle of Adrianopole)

And, more than that his friend theodomiro the king of the vandals had also died of old age God has a sense of humor in the end what unraveled the conspiracy of nikopolis was time itself hah vanities all is vanity

In the end he received the letter from autokrator himself son of zenon but the empty wise victory had aligned the goths with the rest of the empire


.
Dear Theodoric,

In recognition of your valuable services and steadfast loyalty to the Eastern Roman Empire, I am pleased to bestow upon you the rank of Patrician and the title of Praetor of the Par Occidentalis. Your military skills and commitment have been fundamental to the security and prosperity of our western provinces. I trust that you will continue to defend the empire with honor and distinction.

With gratitude and respect,

Emperor Augustus Zenon




Seeing that he was having to look for a new port to set sail he made a risky move behind the autokrator's back to marry his son Ahtalaricus with the daughter of Iulius Nepos.

With all this theodoric began to prepare perhaps the most dangerous expedition of his career to make more than 20,000 Goths leave the western border of Pannonia to go to Italy as Caesar before the rubicon and now theodoric looking at the sea that separated Dalmatia from Italy had only one thing to say the die was cast.


Pyrrhica Adventure


The first thing he did was to ask the Dominus of his court to review and survey all the lands for the expedition to which the man complied in full measure.

Thanks to the old marriage with the old chieftain of the Gepids, the sons of Amalfrida had at least for a while the Danube border secured for the expedition, there was a blood pact on the border, so the rear was covered.

Another event that propitiated theodoric but were events beyond his control were the Pontus battles against the Slaveni that the augustus nikepohoros was involved in on the Anatolian frontier and the preoccupation with the Sasanids which diverted the attention of the Romans from the Balkans to the Caucasus.

Another lesser known aspect of the whole scheme was theodoric's trip to Athens, where he managed to convince the academy full of classical literature to give him a number of expensive books ranging from Caesar's Gallic Wars to the neoplatonic works of pilinus the younger and works such as the Aeneid and Iliad as well as theological works.

For theodoric was a lover of letters and wanted his children to have as good an education as he did.

At the end after having everything ready he sat down to dinner in silence he looked sad his wife logina asked him what was wrong and he said winter has arrived the crops are not enough and at this moment because of my inpuslivity it may be the end of my people to which in a way unbecoming of a woman logina told him you are the man who pacifies Africa stop behaving like a crybaby it is unbecoming of a man I trust you the great ones like mega alexandros leonidas constantino had to face great difficulties but eternal glory is theirs now. it is your turn my husband and what if I fail says sad theodoric to which logina answered then the purple will be a nice bed of morturio

That serenity mixed with logina's strength was perhaps the only but most important time that his wife raised her voice to her husband centuries later logina is still considered as the exemplary woman in the gothic imaginary, an empress in everything but the title.

( Queen Logina )

Filled with determination to put the whole destiny of his people on the line, he set sail for Italy on Nepote's ships on November 25, 498.

When he landed in Sanmiun with all his troops, he was amazed to find no resistance and instead a totally destroyed country.

The people prostrated themselves around him and the lords also of blessed be the chaos is over said the man and theodoric asked him who are you I am Boethius my lord.

What has happened and boecius says there is that it has not happened a whole century of calamities to what theodoricus affirms these Roman years to what boecius answers who are you barbaroi and theodoricus says I am Flavius Theodoricus Amalus Africanus Magister militum Of Constantinople Son-in-law of the Emperor zenon rex gothorum praefectus occiedantalis and to finish he delivers him the message with the symbol of the Autokrator

To which Boecius prostrates himself and in tears cries out honor to the Augustus our prayers have been answered and Theodoric simply continues speaking Boecius begins everything happened very fast they brought Odoacer the Herulus his son three years ago Thelius presented his father tied to a tree and began to scourge him according to him for immorality for having transgressed God he beat him and beat him. He beat him so badly that he bled to death a week later. Then he entered Rome and demanded to the senators that he be crowned Imperator, killed Pope Symacus and caused a revolt throughout Italy to overthrow him, the Roman nobility rose up against him, but it was very bloody.

In the end they reached a treaty the younger brother would assume the throne and Thelius would abdicate but theodoric says Boethius continued to take over the office of magister oficorum to get to him you had to pass with him many assume that the boy is dead or locked in the palace of ravena because of this plus the great revolt of africa cut the influx of grain which caused more unrest have been more than 20 years of chaos.

Theodoric could not believe the place where the most powerful empire in the world had been born was totally destroyed he set off for Rome and what he saw shook him to the core an abandoned city where the colosseum itself was used to dump waste when people approached him they would not look at a barbarian even the armor he wore looked more luxurious than anything they could have.

Upon departing from Rome, what remained of the comes rendered homage to Theodoric, whether out of fear or gratitude. According to Cassiodorus, who would become the great historian of the Goths, under Theodoric's command, the procession of all the peoples who followed him—even the lowest servant—seemed like a patrician compared to the nobles of what was once Italy. The hunger and exhaustion were so severe that Theodoric, like the Augusti of old, began to distribute bread to the population out of pity. When they learned that it was Theodoric the African, many rejoiced. Passing through Lazio, each city either fell or surrendered.

(The Goths gave bread of famlic Romans)

He even received an offer from Thelius, who would give him Lower Italy if he halted his march. Yet he did not stop until he reached Ravenna. For Theodoric and his men, Ravenna seemed more like Rome than Rome itself, adorned even to its walls, which caused just indignation among the Goths themselves. How was it possible that the cradle of the empire had been so degraded?

For a month, 20,000 Goths laid siege to Ravenna, squeezing it until it starved. Eventually, the boy king was forced to abdicate. Oh, how fickle is fortune! Just as the son of Orestes was overthrown, so too was the lineage of the Heruli. Desperate, Thelius attempted to ambush Theodoric in Galadasium but was massacred to the last man.

Thus ended the fifth century, a century of humiliations that destroyed the cradle of the Empire to such an extent that it would never rise again. The shock was so profound that they came to call it the Fall of the World, the Century of Humiliations. When Theodoric sat on the throne of Ravenna, he exclaimed, "I have gained nothing but the ashes of what once was." Little did history know that the era of Rome had ended, but the era of the Goths had dawned. From those refugees who crossed the Danube to the new chapter of the history of Europe and the world.

 

[Nikolai]

Rome lives through the Goths!

 

[john trask]

The old wolf is death but a new one have take his place

 

[HistoryDude]

I like the idea, and it's always nice to see AARs set immediately after Rome's fall.

Zeno was humiliated... and it looks like Odoacer decided to channel Alp Arslan early.

Why did Theodoric of the Ostrogoths ally with the Vandals? Were they allied at the game's start?

Is Julius Nepos still alive? Were is he?

RIP the WRE. Congrats on conquering Italy, though.

 

[john trask]

I like the idea, and it's always nice to see AARs set immediately after Rome's fall.

Zeno was humiliated... and it looks like Odoacer decided to channel Alp Arslan early.

Why did Theodoric of the Ostrogoths ally with the Vandals? Were they allied at the game's start?

Is Julius Nepos still alive? Were is he?

RIP the WRE. Congrats on conquering Italy, though.

Well I made the alliance with the vandals for roleplay terms. Theodorico needed the ships to reach Italy and for this period the vandals were the maritime force of this period as Julius Nepos died very quickly in my game but I assure you that he will have an influence very important for this dynasty

 

[Chac1]

Apologies that I am very late to the start of this party. Great to see this first effort @john trask . I will need to catch up to all the chapters dropped here a bit later. Just letting you know I am following and this starts with great promise.

 

[jak7139]

With Italy now under him, Theodoric might want to reconsider his Eastern Roman commitments.

 

[john trask]

You will see a more complex situation than otl zeno make a gamble for support melting the goths with the actual imperial dynasty this will have consecuences in the long term

 

[john trask]

In the second month of the year 501, all the noble Goths and Romans gathered in Ravenna, where the power of the new Praefectus, Theodoric the Great, was dedicated.

According to the words of Jordanes, the new Praefectus shone: Theoderic, king of the Goths, stood adorned in the majesty that only a great monarch could wear. He wore a purple tunic, a color reserved for emperors and the highest dignitaries, embellished with intricate golden embroidery that shimmered under the sunlight. Over the tunic, a cape of the same purple draped over his shoulders, fastened by a brooch of gold.

His crown, a symbol of his royalty and power, was forged in pure gold and set with precious gems that glowed with an intensity comparable only to the resolve of its bearer. The belt, also golden, held a sword whose hilt, adorned with gemstones, reflected the light, casting glimmers of wealth and authority.

At his feet, Theoderic wore dark leather boots, sturdy yet elegant, showcasing his readiness for both war and governance. On his arms, a pair of golden bracelets completed his attire, emblems of his strength and lineage. Thus, dressed in a blend of imperial elegance and warrior spirit, Theoderic stood out as a true leader of his people, an imposing figure in the tumultuous stage of his time.

Seated on a throne outdoors, surrounded by the senatorial nobility and the Goths, Theodoric the Great received numerous people bearing various gifts. Before him, the Praefectus, they broke bread, served wine, and held a humble feast, for the peninsula's needs were pressing.
Italy lay in a state of desolation after years of war and famine. The cities were in ruins, the countryside abandoned, and the population severely depleted. Rome, the ancient capital of the Empire, had been reduced to a point of political insignificance, while Ravenna remained relatively intact, providing a base from which Theodoric could initiate his ambitious project of reconstruction.

With the counsel of Boethius and Cassiodorus, who were granted the positions of praetors, Theodoric the Great devised a new administrative system for the peninsula, recorded in the Variae. He divided the land into three grand Ducates: Italia Superioris, with its capital in Ravenna; Italia Media, consisting of Spoleto and Latium with Rome as the administrative center; and Italia Inferioris, comprising Sicily, Apulia, and Calabria.

( Boethius and Casiodorus and the new Administration)



Another of his actions, seen as a shrewd political maneuver to maintain wise governance, was sending his grandson, Childesbint, to the court of the Visigothic King Alaric as a political hostage. This move successfully prevented a confrontation between the two Gothic kingdoms.

He implemented a policy of colonato to cultivate the countryside and the fertile Po Valley, as the population had been greatly diminished. This policy encouraged the immigration of Vandals, Illyrians, Greeks, Slavs, and Berbers, who were placed under the Gothic military aristocracy known as the Centuriata. They were dispersed throughout the Italian countryside, and old farmlands that had not been used for centuries were reactivated.

( Peasants And Serfs working in the po river)

While this was going on an event from the past came knocking on the door in 492 while on pilgrimage he had visited Aegyptus to propose a marriage alliance with the son Boethius 2of Alexandria of the praefectus and his daughter ostrogtha.

Because Theodoric was a fanatic of the Greek classics and thanks to this many works were brought back to the West along with several Alexandrian scholars where they were placed in Rome many works both pagan and neo-Platonist were brought back and taught making Rome a center of learning utilizing the Roman and Romanic works. theoderic's predecessor had done the unthinkable murdered the patriarch of rome and all the Chalcedonian legates and bishops causing rome to be empty of any authority this became known as the Sacrum interregnum it was so infamous that the word telio is knocking at the door became a saying.

( Monks Translating the Alexandrian works in letram)


Now this Boethius requested the help of theodoric, he was indeed a second son and wanted the seat of praefectus, seeing that Italy needed all his attention, his son Athalaric offered to go. theodoric gave him his blessing, little did they both know that this fact would mark father as well as son.

Frustra bellum

If there is one thing this war accomplished, it was to prove that the successor of Theodoric Athalaric landed in Alexandria with three thousand Gothic soldiers to help his brother-in-law.

Only to receive devastating news that Ostrogotha had died in childbirth which caused the war to be cancelled Ahtalaric went and brought back the child which he says was not Boethius and the body of his sister he sent her with a contingent back to Ravenna, Cassiodorus recounts that the king tore his clothes and wept saying what sin have I committed to take her from me, my God.

The king mourned for several days until he saw his grandson Whilteric walking towards him. The child had an angelic face, Theodric ran and embraced him, it was the most vulnerable moment his peers had ever seen of the Gothic king.

While this was going on Athalaric's bitterness did not cease due to honor he kept his promise and imposed Boethius second only for him to die of poisoning a week later in the end it all left him very bitter.

Mortuorum rituum



When Ostrogotha was given the rites a situation that would later cause more suffering was the fact that Astulf the other son of Theoderic did not show up for the burial this made both father and son Athalaric angry but Theodoric loved his son.




While he was sitting in his private chambers he was introduced to Marcian, a confidant who through his service had gained the esteem of the Goth and had married his son Astulf to his daughter.

To Theodoric's surprise his friend brought the diadem zenon together with Puladementum and the imperial sectrum Marcian knelt down and offered it to him saying this belongs to you Augustus Theodoric says get up you are family we share ties we appreciate the gift after this Theoderic held in his hands the imperial diadem imperial his whole journey had begun by these insignia 30 years ago the words were inlaid in granite were e restored your honor Zeno and as a token of honor he placed it at the entrance of his court for all to see the insignia of romulus augustus conferred upon him enormous prestige.

But the consolation was not to last a year later he learned that his son had died drowned in the Danube murdered by someone he did not know when he learned of this gave him a heart attack the anguish overtook him his last words were alas. vanity of vanities all is vanity and so in the year 507 of our lord Theodricus the king of the Goths the Praefectus occidentalis son-in-law of the late emperor zenon and ruler of italy had died without ever knowing who was the murderer of his second son.

 

[StrategyGameEnthusiast]

and so in the year 507 of our lord Theodricus the king of the Goths the Praefectus occidentalis son-in-law of the late emperor zenon and ruler of italy had died without ever knowing who was the murderer of his second son.

Of course it was the heir.

 

[john trask]

Of course it was the heir.

 

[jak7139]

an imposing figure in the tumultuous stage of his time.

Can these screenshot scenes be created in vanilla CK3, or is that a mod?

 

[john trask]

Can these screenshot scenes be created in vanilla CK3, or is that a mod?

Is the mod better barbershop with epe