Ostrogoth

/ˈɔstroʊˌɡɑθ/ noun

Definition

The eastern branch of the Gothic people who established a kingdom in Italy under Theodoric the Great after the fall of the Western Roman Empire.

Etymology

From 'Ostro' (meaning 'east' in Gothic) and 'Goth,' distinguishing them from the Visigoths ('western Goths'). The name reflected their origins in the eastern regions of Gothic territory.

Kelly Says

The Ostrogoths under Theodoric the Great created one of the most successful 'barbarian' kingdoms—Theodoric ruled Italy for 33 years, maintaining Roman law for Romans while allowing Goths to live under Gothic customs. His court at Ravenna became a center of learning where Roman senators worked alongside Gothic nobles!

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