2 50 Word Menu
1 Geographical Introduction. 3 7.4 6:10
| 1 Ancestors believed the world was encircled by Ocean on three sides. Asia, Europe, and Africa were its three parts. Many writers detailed cities and distances. Islands in the Great Sea are called Cyclades or Sporades. Ocean's impassable bounds remain unknown due to seaweed and calm winds. Eastern islands include Hippodes, Iamnesia, Solis Perusta, and Taprobane. The western region has the Blessed Isle and Fortunate Isle. Galicia and Lusitania promontories belong to Europe, not Ocean islands. Deeper within are the Baleares and Mevania, besides the thirty-three Orcades islands. The farthest western island is Thule, as mentioned by Virgil. |
| 2 Now, let me briefly speak about the island of Britain, situated between Spain, Gaul, and Germany. Livy mentions its great size, making it difficult to sail around. It was unknown to Roman arms until Julius Caesar's battles. Britain became known through trade and exploration. It resembles a triangle pointing between the north and west. Its widest angle faces the Rhine, and it narrows to two other angles. The island's greatest breadth is over two thousand three hundred ten stadia, and its length is seven thousand one hundred thirty-two stadia. It has moorland, wooded plains, and mountains. |
| 3 Returning to the island of Scandza, mentioned by Ptolemaeus as a great island in the northern Ocean. Scandza is shaped like a juniper leaf, located in the Codan Gulf, with Ocean lapping its shores. The Vistula River, originating from Sarmatian mountains, flows into the northern Ocean, separating Germany and Scythia. Scandza has a vast lake and the Vagus River, surrounded by immense sea on the west and unnavigable Ocean on the north. Many small islands are scattered around. Wolves crossing frozen seas to these islands lose their sight. Scandza hosts diverse nations despite its cold climate. |
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2 United Goths. 20 42.5 35:25
| 4 The Goths originated from Scandza, led by King Berig, and named their new settlement Gothiscandza. They moved to Ulmerugi's land, defeating them and the Vandals. Under Filimer, the fifth king since Berig, they migrated to Scythia, called Oium, due to overpopulation. Half the army crossed a river and secured the rich land, leaving behind evidence of their presence. They defeated the Spali in Oium and reached the Sea of Pontus, celebrated in their songs. Ablabius and Josephus, ancient historians, confirm this Gothic migration and settlement. |
| 5 Scythia, adjacent to Germany, stretches from the Ister River to the Taurus range and Lake Maeotis, extending to the Caucasus and beyond the Caspian Sea. It borders Seres, Germans, Ocean, Persis, Albania, Hiberia, and the Danube. Scythia houses notable towns like Borysthenis and Olbia, established for trade with the Greeks. The Tanais River, rising from the Rhipaeian mountains, defines Asia from Europe. Dacia, within sight of Moesia, is surrounded by mountains, bound by the Tisia, Danube, and Flutausis rivers. Venethi, Sclaveni, and Antes inhabit this region. |
| 6 Under King Tanausis, the Goths defeated Vesosis, the Egyptian king, at the river Phasis. Despite impassable Nile and fortifications, they conquered much of Asia and subjected it to the Medes' King Sornus. Some soldiers settled in Asia, becoming the Parthi, known for archery. After Tanausis's death, the Goths deified him. The Goths' neighbors attempted to capture their women, who resisted and formed a female army led by Lampeto and Marpesia. They conquered many tribes, reached the Caucasus, and built the Caspian Gates, later securing much of Asia. |
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| 7 Goth women, led by Lampeto and Marpesia, waged successful wars, conquering various tribes and regions including Ionia and Aeolia, building cities and temples like Ephesus's for Diana. They ruled Asia for nearly a century before returning to their kin in the Caucasus. The Caucasus mountain range extends from the Indian Ocean to the Rhipaeian mountains, forming natural fortifications and producing notable rivers like Euphrates and Tigris. The range divides Asia and Europe, with names varying by region. The Amazons, known for their warlike nature, maintained power until Alexander the Great's time. |
| 8 Amazons sought annual marriages with neighboring tribes, keeping daughters and exposing sons. Their reputation for cruelty grew, with tales of Hercules and Theseus's encounters. Penthesilea, an Amazon queen, fought in the Trojan war. Returning to the Goths, Dio's history mentions Telefus, a towering figure of Gothic heritage. Telefus, akin to Hercules, ruled Moesia, engaged Greeks in battle, and was wounded by Achilles. His son Eurypylus, seeking to aid Troy, was also killed. Goths gained fame in Scythia, holding sway over many regions and subduing Vandals and Marcomanni. |
| 9 Telefus, Gothic king, fought against Greeks, reflecting Gothic valor. Dio mentions his reign in Moesia, his height over eight feet. Severus, the Emperor, recognized his strength, appointing him to the cavalry. Telefus defeated sixteen soldiers in wrestling, impressing Severus. He rose through military ranks under Antoninus Caracalla. Disliking Macrinus's rule, he avoided service, but returned under Elagabalus, excelling against Parthians. After Alexander's assassination, Telefus became Emperor by the army's vote, persecuting Christians, later killed by Pupienus. His life exemplified Gothic influence in the Roman Empire. |
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| 10 Goths, under Dicineus's guidance, learned philosophy, astronomy, and laws. Dicineus restrained barbarous customs, taught ethics, logic, and practical knowledge. He educated them on celestial movements, sun and moon cycles, and star constellations. The Goths found joy in these teachings, becoming skilled in various sciences. Dicineus appointed priests, Pilleati, and gave the rest the name Capillati. His successor, Comosicus, also revered for wisdom, ruled justly. Coryllus followed, ruling for forty years in Dacia, surrounded by mountains and rivers like the Danube, a vast and deep river, significant in Roman and Gothic history. |
| 11 Goths under King Buruista, advised by Dicineus, ravaged German lands. Julius Caesar, despite conquering much, couldn't defeat Goths. Under Tiberius, Goths remained powerful, guided by Dicineus's teachings. They followed his advice, excelling in philosophy and sciences. Dicineus taught astronomy, celestial movements, and the nature of plants. Goths studied diligently, mastering these subjects, finding rest in understanding natural phenomena. Dicineus also introduced religious practices, appointing priests called Pilleati. After his death, Comosicus ruled wisely, followed by Coryllus, who ruled Dacia for forty years, a region rich in natural defenses and resources. |
| 12 Goths under King Buruista, guided by Dicineus, ravaged German lands. Despite Caesar's conquests, he couldn't defeat Goths. Tiberius ruled as Emperor, yet Goths remained strong. They followed Dicineus's teachings, mastering philosophy and sciences. Dicineus taught astronomy, celestial movements, and plant nature. Goths studied diligently, excelling in these subjects. Dicineus introduced religious practices, appointing priests called Pilleati. After his death, Comosicus ruled wisely, followed by Coryllus, who ruled Dacia for forty years. Dacia, rich in natural defenses, was bounded by rivers like the Danube, significant in Gothic history. |
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| 13 Goths, fearing Domitian's avarice, broke truce, ravaging Roman Danube. Led by Dorpaneus, they defeated Roman generals, killing Oppius Sabinus. Domitian hurried to Illyricum, bringing imperial troops. Fuscus, commanding Romans, crossed Danube, but Goths overwhelmed them, killing Fuscus. Goth
s called leaders Ansis, demigods for their victories. First hero, Gapt, fathered Hulmul, Augis, Amal, Hisarnis, and Ostrogotha. Ostrogotha begat Hunuil, Athal, Achiulf, Oduulf, and Hermanaric. Vultuulf begat Valaravans, Vinitharius, Vandalarius, Thiudimer, Valamir, Vidimer, and Theodoric. Amalasuentha, Theodoric's daughter, married Eutharic, continuing the Amali lineage. |
| 14 Gothic genealogy traces from Gapt to Hermanaric, including notable kings like Amal and Theodoric. Hermanaric, ruling at 110, subdued many tribes, including Heruli and Venethi. Venethi, despised in war but numerous, resisted unsuccessfully. Hermanaric also subdued Aesti, ruling Scythia and Germany. Huns, fierce and deformed, invaded, led by Balamber. Hermanaric, weakened by Rosomoni's treachery, died, enabling Huns' conquest. Goths, divided into Ostrogoths and Visigoths, faced new threats. Rosomoni's betrayal, driven by revenge, exemplified Gothic struggles. Balamber's Huns prevailed, marking a significant shift in power. |
| 15 Gothic genealogy: Gapt, Hulmul, Augis, Amal, Hisarnis, Ostrogotha, Hunuil, Athal, Achiulf, Oduulf, Hermanaric, Vultuulf, Valaravans, Vinitharius, Vandalarius, Thiudimer, Valamir, Vidimer, Theodoric. Hermanaric, ruling at 110, subdued many tribes, including Heruli and Venethi. Venethi, despised in war but numerous, resisted unsuccessfully. Hermanaric also subdued Aesti, ruling Scythia and Germany. Huns, fierce and deformed, invaded, led by Balamber. Hermanaric, weakened by Rosomoni's treachery, died, enabling Huns' conquest. Goths, divided into Ostrogoths and Visigoths, faced new threats. Balamber's Huns prevailed, marking a significant shift in power. |
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| 16 The Gothic race gained fame, ruling Scythia, subduing Vandals, Marcomanni, and Quadi. Under Emperor Philip, they received tribute, later withheld, sparking war. Ostrogotha crossed Danube, ravaged Moesia, Thrace. Senator Decius sent against Goths, failing. Released soldiers joined Goths, increasing their strength. Ostrogotha led 300,000 men, including Taifali, Astringi, Carpi, Goths, Peucini. They crossed Danube, besieged Marcianople, received ransom, retreated. Marcianople founded by Trajan, named after sister Marcia. Goths returned, laden with booty, envied by Gepidae. Fastida, Gepidae king, waged war, ultimately defeated by Ostrogotha near Auha river. Goths lived peacefully under Ostrogotha's leadership. |
| 17 The Gepidae, envious of Goths, waged war under Fastida. He overwhelmed Burgundians, provoking Goths, breaking kinship bonds. Fastida demanded land or war, Ostrogotha refused. Battle near Galtis, river Auha, resulted in Gothic victory. Gepidae retreated in disgrace, Goths celebrated peace under Ostrogotha. Cniva, with 70,000 men, attacked Novae, driven by Gallus to Nicopolis. Emperor Decius confronted Cniva, but defeated at Beroa. Cniva besieged Philippopolis, allied with Priscus, killed Decius and son. Decius's death marked Gothic dominance. Goths continued raids, affecting Roman Empire's stability, showcasing Gothic resilience and power. |
| 18 Cniva, with 70,000 men, attacked Novae, driven by Gallus to Nicopolis. Emperor Decius confronted Cniva, but was defeated at Beroa. Cniva besieged Philippopolis, allied with Priscus, killed Decius and son. Decius's death marked Gothic dominance. Goths continued raids, affecting Roman Empire's stability. Goths ravaged Moesia, aided by Emperor Maximian against Parthians. Goths assisted Maximian, later aiding Constantine against Licinius. Goths prospered under Kings Ariaric, Aoric, and Geberich, who expanded territory, defeating Vandals. Visimar, Vandal king, was overthrown. Goths influenced Roman military and politics significantly, highlighting their strength. |
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| 19 Goths, during Gallus and Volusianus's reign, faced a devastating plague. Aemilianus saw an opportunity, seized power in Moesia, plundering cities. He was quickly overthrown. Gallus and Volusianus reigned briefly, maintaining peace but blamed for plague. They made a treaty with Goths. Gallienus usurped the throne, indulging in luxury. Gothic leaders Respa, Veduc, and Thuruar sailed to Asia, sacked cities, and burned Ephesus' temple. Returning, they attacked Troy, Ilium, and Anchiali. They enjoyed baths near Anchiali, renowned for healing. Goths returned home, summoned by Emperor Maximian, aiding against Parthians, showcasing their significant role in Roman military campaigns. |
| 20 Goths, aiding Maximian, defeated Narseus, king of Persians. Diocletian and Maximian achieved peace, neglecting Goths. Constantine enlisted Goths against Licinius, later building Constantinople with their aid. Goths, led by Ariaric and Aoric, prospered. Geberich, succeeding, expanded territory, defeating Vandals. Visimar, Vandal king, overthrown. Goths influenced Roman military, aiding in significant battles. Goths settled in Pannonia, later moving to Gaul. Hermanaric succeeded Geberich, conquering northern tribes, including Heruli and Venethi. Venethi, despised in war but numerous, resisted unsuccessfully. Hermanaric also subdued Aesti, ruling Scythia and Germany. Huns invaded, leading to Hermanaric's death, marking a power shift. |
| 21 Goths, aiding Maximian, defeated Narseus, king of Persians. Diocletian and Maximian achieved peace, neglecting Goths. Constantine enlisted Goths against Licinius, later building Constantinople with their aid. Goths, led by Ariaric and Aoric, prospered. Geberich, succeeding, expanded territory, defeating Vandals. Visimar, Vandal king, overthrown. Goths influenced Roman military, aiding in significant battles. Goths settled in Pannonia, later moving to Gaul. Hermanaric succeeded Geberich, conquering northern tribes, including Heruli and Venethi. Venethi, despised in war but numerous, resisted unsuccessfully. Hermanaric also subdued Aesti, ruling Scythia and Germany. Huns invaded, leading to Hermanaric's death, marking a power shift. |
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| 22 Geberich's Goths defeated Vandals, seeking refuge in Pannonia for sixty years. They obeyed emperors until Stilicho moved them to Gaul. Hermanaric, succeeding Geberich, conquered many northern tribes, including Heruli and Venethi. Venethi, though numerous, resisted unsuccessfully. Hermanaric subdued Aesti, ruling Scythia and Germany. Huns, fierce and deformed, invaded, led by Balamber. Hermanaric, weakened by Rosomoni's treachery, died, enabling Huns' conquest. Goths, divided into Ostrogoths and Visigoths, faced new threats. Rosomoni's betrayal, driven by revenge, exemplified Gothic struggles. Balamber's Huns prevailed, marking a significant shift in power. |
| 23 Hermanaric, ruling Goths, conquered many northern tribes, including Heruli, Venethi, and Aesti. He ruled Scythia and Germany, compared to Alexander the Great. Huns, fierce and deformed, invaded, led by Balamber. Hermanaric, weakened by Rosomoni's treachery, died, enabling Huns' conquest. Goths, divided into Ostrogoths and Visigoths, faced new threats. Rosomoni's betrayal, driven by revenge, exemplified Gothic struggles. Balamber's Huns prevailed, marking a significant power shift. Goths,
under new leadership, navigated the challenges posed by Huns. Their history showcases resilience, adaptability, and enduring influence in shaping regional dynamics. |
| 24 Huns, fierce and deformed, invaded Goths, leading to Hermanaric's death. Filimer expelled witches, leading to Huns' creation. Huns settled near Maeotic swamp, skilled hunters, raided neighbors. Guided by a doe, they discovered Scythia, conquering many tribes. Huns' swarthy, fearsome appearance caused terror. Goths, fearing Huns, consulted King Hermanaric. Treacherous Rosomoni brothers wounded Hermanaric. Huns, led by Balamber, invaded Ostrogoths. Hermanaric, weakened, died at 110. Huns conquered Ostrogoths, marking a significant power shift. Gothic history showcases resilience, adaptability, and enduring influence in shaping regional dynamics amid external threats and internal treachery. |
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3 Divided Goths: Visigoths. 22 45.2 37:40
| 25 The Visigoths, seeking safety from the Huns, sent ambassadors to Emperor Valens, offering to submit to his laws and become Christians if he provided them with teachers who spoke their language. Valens, eager to secure a defense for his kingdom, accepted their request, settling them in Moesia. Unfortunately, the preachers sent by Valens spread Arianism among the Visigoths, turning them into Arians rather than orthodox Christians. The Visigoths, along with the Ostrogoths and Gepidae, embraced this heresy and settled in Dacia Ripensis, Moesia, and Thrace. |
| 26 Famine struck the Visigoths soon after their settlement, leading their leaders Fritigern, Alatheus, and Safrac to request a market from the Roman commanders Lupicinus and Maximus. However, the Roman generals exploited the Visigoths' desperation, selling them overpriced food and even demanding their children in exchange. Tensions escalated when Lupicinus plotted against Fritigern, leading to a violent confrontation. Fritigern escaped the trap, rallied his people, and attacked the Romans, leading to the death of Emperor Valens and the Visigoths taking control of Thrace and Dacia Ripensis. |
| 27 Emperor Gratian appointed Theodosius as the Eastern Emperor after Valens' death. Theodosius restored military discipline, alarming the Goths. When Theodosius fell gravely ill, the Goths divided their forces to plunder various regions. Emperor Gratian, retreating from Rome due to Vandal invasions, negotiated peace with the Goths by offering them provisions. After recovering, Theodosius welcomed and honored the Gothic king Athanaric in Constantinople. Upon Athanaric's death, the Goths continued to serve the Roman Empire, aiding in battles against usurpers like Eugenius. |
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| 28 After Theodosius' recovery, he approved the peace treaty Gratian made with the Goths. He welcomed King Athanaric to Constantinople, who marveled at the city's grandeur before dying a few months later. Theodosius honored Athanaric with a grand funeral, and the Goths continued their service to the Roman Empire, providing significant military support. Theodosius took more than twenty thousand Gothic warriors to fight against the usurper Eugenius, securing a victory and re-establishing the alliance between the Goths and the Roman Empire. |
| 29 After Theodosius' death, his sons' luxurious lifestyles weakened both empires and alienated the Goths. The Goths, led by Alaric, sought to establish their own kingdom rather than serve the Romans. Alaric, of noble lineage, raised an army and marched into Italy, reaching Ravenna unopposed. Ravenna, situated amidst streams and swamps, was a strategic location. The city's ancient inhabitants, the Ainetoi, praised its favorable position. Alaric's army capitalized on the city's strategic advantages, highlighting the Goths' growing power and influence in the region. |
| 30 The Visigoths, led by Alaric, reached Ravenna and sent an embassy to Emperor Honorius, proposing to settle peacefully in Italy or to conquer provinces like Gaul and Spain if denied. Honorius, fearing both outcomes, agreed to let the Goths move to Gaul and Spain. However, Stilicho, the Patrician and Honorius' father-in-law, ambushed the Goths at Pollentia, leading to a devastating battle for Italy and his own disgrace. The enraged Goths plundered Liguria and Emilia, then sacked Rome without destroying it. Alaric's death during their planned move to Africa led to his burial with treasures, and his successor, Athavulf, was chosen for his impressive appearance and spirit. |
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| 31 When Athavulf became king, he returned to Rome and led the Goths in despoiling the city, stripping Italy of its wealth. The Emperor Honorius could not resist, even when his sister, Placidia, was taken captive. Athavulf married her, and this alliance terrified other tribes. Athavulf then set out for Gaul, leaving Honorius stripped of wealth but pleased by their kinship. The neighboring tribes, Franks and Burgundians, were terrified and kept within their borders. The Vandals and Alani, fearing the Goths, crossed into Gaul and then Spain. Athavulf established his kingdom in Gaul and planned to save the Spaniards from the Vandals. He left his treasures in Barcelona and entered Spain with loyal followers, frequently fighting the Vandals. In the third year, he was killed by Euervulf, a man he had mocked for his short stature. Segeric succeeded Athavulf but was quickly slain by his own men. |
| 32 Valia, the fourth from Alaric, became king, a stern and prudent man. Emperor Honorius sent an army under Constantius to prevent Valia from breaking the treaty and to free his sister Placidia. Constantius set out for Spain with a grand force, meeting Valia at the Pyrenees. They made peace, Valia gave up Placidia, and agreed to aid the Roman Empire. Meanwhile, Constantine usurped power in Gaul but was killed. Jovinus and Sebastian tried to seize power but met the same fate. In Valia's twelfth year, the Huns were driven from Pannonia. Valia then fought the Vandals in Spain, winning great fame. He returned to Tolosa, handing over provinces to the Roman Empire. After his death, Beremud from the Amali lineage joined the Visigoths, who then chose Theodorid as king. Beremud, concealing his noble birth, gained Theodorid's trust and became his close advisor. |
| 33 Gaiseric, king of the Vandals, was invited to Africa by Boniface, who sought revenge against Emperor Valentinian. Gaiseric crossed the Strait of Gades with his followers. Known for his moderation, shrewdness, and disdain for luxury, Gaiseric ruled Africa with authority. He ordained that his sons should rule in succession to avoid strife, ensuring peace for many years. His sons, Huneric, Gunthamund, Thrasamund, and Ilderich, ruled in order. Gelimer later usurped the throne, bringing disaster upon the Vandals. The Emperor Justinian's general, Belisarius, captured Gelimer and paraded him in Constantinople. Africa, once lost to the Romans, was restored to the Empire, flourishing under Justinian despite later conflicts. Valia fought the Vandals fiercely, but a misfortune akin to Alaric's recalled him. Valia returned to Tolosa, handing over provinces to the Romans. Beremud, a noble Amali, joined the Visigoths, gaining Theodorid's trust and becoming his advisor. |
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| 34 Valia had little success against the Gauls but was succeeded by Theodorid, a man of great moderation and vigor. In the consulship of Theodosius and Festus, the Romans broke the truce, attacking the Goths in Gaul with the Huns as allies. The Patrician Aëtius, a brave Moesian, led the Roman army. He had previously subdued the Suavi and Franks. With Huns under Litorius, the Romans moved against the Goths. Both sides eventually agreed to a truce and returned to their alliance. During this peace, Attila, lord of the Huns, ruled Scythia and was renowned among nations. The historian Priscus, sent on an embassy, described Attila's vast village, resembling a great city with wooden walls and large dining halls. Attila, preferring this dwelling to conquered cities, displayed his power and grandeur. |
| 35 Attila, son of Mundiuch, succeeded his brothers Octar and Ruas. After their death, he ruled the Huns with his brother Bleda, whom he later murdered to consolidate power. Attila sought to conquer the Romans and Visigoths with an army of 500,000 men. He was short, broad-chested, with a large head, small eyes, and a swarthy complexion. His discovery of Mars's sword, found by a shepherd, convinced him of his destiny to rule the world. Attila was a fearsome leader, inspiring terror and confidence in his men. His ambition led him to seek the subjugation of all nations, believing his supremacy assured by the sword of Mars. |
| 36 Gaiseric incited Attila to war against the Visigoths to avenge his daughter, who was mutilated by Huneric, Gaiseric's son. Attila sent ambassadors to Emperor Valentinian, sowing strife between Romans and Goths, claiming a quarrel with Theodorid. Valentinian, recognizing the threat, allied with Theodorid against Attila. The Romans and Visigoths united, preparing for the impending conflict. Attila's cunning and deceit aimed to weaken his enemies through internal discord before engaging in battle. |
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| 37 Valentinian's embassy persuaded Theodorid to ally against Attila, emphasizing the threat to all nations. The Visigoths, eager for battle, joined the Romans. Theodorid led a vast host, bringing his sons Thorismud and Theodorid. The Romans, led by Aëtius, assembled a diverse army, including Franks, Sarmatians, and Burgundians. They met in the Catalaunian Plains, preparing for a monumental clash. The two forces, eager for battle, faced each other in an open fight, driven by the ambitions of their rulers. |
| 38 The battle of Catalaunian Plains began with both sides seeking the high ground. The Visigoths and Romans held the left, the Huns the right. Theodorid led the Visigoths, Aëtius the Romans. Sangiban and his Alani were placed in the center. The Huns, led by Attila, were flanked by Ostrogoths under Valamir, Thiudimer, and Vidimer. Ardaric of the Gepidae also supported Attila. Despite initial setbacks, the Huns were inspired by Attila's leadership. Thorismud and Aëtius seized the hill, routing the Huns from their advantageous position. |
| 39 Attila, seeing his army's confusion, inspired them with a rousing speech, urging them to attack. The battle was fierce, with both sides suffering heavy losses. Attila's presence bolstered his troops, despite their initial retreat. Theodorid was killed, possibly by the Ostrogoth Andag. The Visigoths nearly captured Attila, who retreated to his fortified camp. Thorismud, wounded, withdrew, and Aëtius, separated from his men, found refuge with the Goths. The next day, the Romans and Goths prepared to besiege Attila, who remained defiant, threatening to burn himself rather than be captured. |
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| 40 The battle continued with fierce combat, resulting in streams of blood. Theodorid was trampled by his own men or killed by an Ostrogoth. Attila retreated, fortified his camp, and threatened to burn himself. Thorismud and Aëtius regrouped, preparing to besiege Attila. At dawn, the Romans saw the battlefield covered with bodies and believed they had won. Attila, though besieged, remained defiant, roaring like a lion. The Romans and Goths debated their next move, considering wearing him out through siege, knowing he had no provisions. Attila, ever brave, prepared a funeral pyre to avoid capture. |
| 41 During the siege, the Visigoths found their fallen king, Theodorid, and honored him with songs and tears. Thorismud, his son, sought vengeance against the Huns. He consulted with Aëtius, who advised him to return to his own dominions to prevent internal conflict. Thorismud accepted the advice and returned to Gaul, becoming king without opposition. In this famous battle, 165,000 were slain. Attila, thinking the Goths' retreat was a ruse, stayed in his camp but later felt victorious. Thorismud advanced to Tolosa and ruled peacefully. |
| 42 Attila, seeing the Visigoths' withdrawal, attacked the Romans and besieged Aquileia. Observing storks leaving the city, he took it as a sign of imminent victory. He renewed the attack, destroyed Aquileia, and ravaged other cities in Italy. He intended to sack Rome but was persuaded by his followers to reconsider. An embassy from Rome, led by Pope Leo, sought peace. Attila agreed, demanding Honoria and her wealth. He returned to his land, still thirsting for conquest. |
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| 43 Attila, regretting the peace, threatened Emperor Marcian of the East, aiming to devastate provinces. He moved against the Visigoths but was defeated by Thorismud. Attempting to conquer the Alani, Attila was again routed by Thorismud, who established peace in his kingdom. Thorismud later fell sick and was betrayed and killed by a client named Ascalc. Despite his injuries, Thorismud avenged himself before dying. |
| 44 After Thorismud's death, Theodorid succeeded him and faced hostility from Riciarius, king of the Suavi. Riciarius sought to seize Spain but was defeated by Theodorid and his allies. Theodorid spared the conquered Suavi and allowed them to choose a ruler, Rimismund. Theodorid ruled justly and died in the thirteenth year of his reign. His brother Eurich succeeded him, but his eagerness raised suspicions about his involvement in Theodorid's death. |
| 45 Eurich became king amid turmoil. Emperor Valentinian was slain, and Gaiseric, king of the Vandals, sacked Rome. Maximus usurped the throne but was killed. Eurich seized Gaul, defeating Riotimus, king of the Brittones. He captured Arverna and other cities. Aspar, a Gothic Patrician, and his sons were killed in Constantinople. Olybrius and Glycerius briefly ruled, but Nepos deposed Glycerius. Eurich expanded his kingdom, seizing the city of Arverna from Ecdicius, a Roman general, and establishing his rule. |
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| 46 Odoacer, king of the Torcilingi, invaded Italy, killed Orestes, and exiled Augustulus, the last Western Roman Emperor, to the Castle of Lucullus. With Augustulus' exile, the Western Roman Empire ended, and kings of the Goths began to rule Rome and Italy. Odoacer, ruling for thirteen years, initially strengthened his kingdom by instilling fear among Romans, exemplified by executing Count Bracila at Ravenna. |
| 47 Eurich, seeing the Roman Empire's decline, seized Arelate and Massilia. Gaiseric, king of the Vandals, encouraged him to destabilize the Eastern and Western Empires. Eurich aimed to subdue the Burgundians but was killed in Arelate. His son, Alaric, succeeded him as the ninth king named Alaric. This succession mirrored the Augusti, where kingdoms often ended with kings bearing the same name as the founders. The narrative then transitions to recounting the origins of the Goths. |
| 48 Vinitharius ruled the Ostrogoths after the death of Hermanaric, leading them as a separate people under the sway of the Huns. He attempted to assert his independence by attacking the Antes but was ultimately defeated by Balamber, king of the Huns. Balamber then married Vinitharius's granddaughter, Vadamerca, and ruled over the Goths as his peaceful subjects, maintaining a Hunnic overlord while allowing a Gothic ruler to hold power. |
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| 49 Attila, after numerous marriages, took a beautiful girl named Ildico as his wife. On their wedding night, heavy with wine and sleep, he choked on his blood, dying without a wound. His death was mourned with deep wounds and plucked hair, a sign of honor among his people. Attila's body was placed in a triple-layered coffin, signifying his strength and the honors he received from both empires. His burial was secretive, with those who buried him killed to keep the location hidden. |
| 50 Following Attila's death, a struggle for power erupted among his many sons, leading to internal conflict and the eventual downfall of his empire. Ardaric, king of the Gepidae, led a revolt, freeing many oppressed nations. The battle of Nedao resulted in the deaths of thirty thousand men, including Ellac, Attila's favored son. This division allowed previously oppressed nations to reclaim their freedom, while the Gepidae took control of Dacia, demanding peace and annual gifts from the Roman Empire. |
| 51 The Ostrogoths, under Valamir, Vidimer, and Thiudimer, thrived despite the Huns' dominance. The brothers maintained unity, respecting Hunnic rule until Attila's death. Valamir's reign saw Gothic victories and territorial expansions. Theodoric, son of Thiudimer, was born and sent as a hostage to Constantinople, securing peace between Goths and Romans. Upon his return, Theodoric proved his valor, eventually leading the Goths to prosperity. |
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| 52 Theodoric, raised in Constantinople, returned to lead the Goths, who sought more land and resources. After defeating the Huns, the Goths turned against the Suavi. Thiudimer captured and adopted their king Hunimund, later betrayed by him. This led to a fierce battle with the Sciri, where Valamir was killed. The Goths avenged his death, nearly exterminating the Sciri, and solidifying their dominance in the region. |
| 53 Theodoric, now ruling the Ostrogoths, sought to expand his influence. He invaded Italy, battling Odoacer for control. After three years of struggle, Theodoric emerged victorious, becoming the ruler of Italy. He forged alliances through marriage, uniting the Goths and Franks. His reign brought stability and prosperity, although conflicts with the Franks persisted. Theodoric's strategic marriages strengthened his family's position, ensuring the Goths' continued influence. |
| 54 Theodoric established a vast network of alliances through strategic marriages. His daughters married neighboring kings, strengthening Gothic ties. He sent his sister to marry Thrasamund, king of the Vandals, and allied with the Thuringians through marriage. Theodoric expanded his territories, taking cities in Illyricum and Thessaly. His death saw the appointment of his grandson Athalaric as king, with Theodoric's legacy of alliances and territorial expansion ensuring the Goths' prominence. |
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| 55 Athalaric succeeded Theodoric as king, maintaining peace and stability. As he approached manhood, he sought the protection of the Eastern Roman Empire. However, his untimely death led to his mother Amalasuentha summoning her cousin Theodahad to the throne. Theodahad betrayed and exiled her, leading to her assassination. This betrayal angered Emperor Justinian, prompting him to send Belisarius to conquer the Goths, initiating a series of battles. |
| 56 Belisarius, sent by Justinian, began his campaign against the Goths by seizing Sicily. Theodahad's forces, weakened by internal betrayal and the defection of key leaders, struggled against the advancing Romans. Vitiges was proclaimed king, replacing Theodahad. Despite a lengthy siege of Rome and attempts to reclaim territory, Vitiges ultimately surrendered to Belisarius. The Gothic kingdom fell, and Vitiges, with his wife and treasures, was taken to Constantinople, marking the end of Gothic rule. |
| 57 Theodoric's alliances and conquests laid the foundation for Gothic power in Italy. His strategic marriages and military successes secured the Goths' dominance. Athalaric's brief reign was followed by internal strife, leading to Theodahad's betrayal and the Roman reconquest. The fall
of Vitiges marked the end of Gothic rule, with Justinian's forces reestablishing Roman control. Theodoric's legacy of alliances and strategic marriages continued to influence Gothic and Roman relations. |
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| 58 Theodoric's daughter Amalasuentha married Eutharic, strengthening the Gothic line. Their son, Athalaric, succeeded Theodoric but died young, leading to Theodahad's betrayal and Amalasuentha's murder. This prompted Justinian's intervention, with Belisarius defeating the Goths and restoring Roman control. Theodoric's alliances through marriage continued to shape Gothic and Roman politics, even as the Gothic kingdom fell. His efforts to unite the Goths and Romans left a lasting legacy. |
| 59 As Theodoric aged, he appointed Athalaric as his successor, urging loyalty to the Roman Senate and Emperor. Athalaric's reign saw peace until his death. Theodahad, summoned by Amalasuentha, betrayed her, leading to her murder and Justinian's intervention. Belisarius defeated the Goths, capturing Vitiges and ending Gothic rule. Theodoric's legacy of alliances, territorial expansion, and strategic marriages influenced Gothic and Roman politics long after his death. |
| 60 Theodoric's death led to succession struggles, with Theodahad betraying Amalasuentha. Justinian sent Belisarius, who defeated the Goths and captured Vitiges. The Gothic kingdom fell, and Vitiges was taken to Constantinople. Justinian's victory restored Roman control, ending centuries of Gothic influence. Theodoric's alliances and conquests left a lasting impact, shaping Gothic and Roman relations even after the fall of the Gothic kingdom. His strategic marriages and territorial expansions secured the Goths' legacy. |
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