Thomas Hodgkin's biographical work investigates the historical significance of Theodoric the Ostrogoth, who ruled Italy from the late fifth to the early sixth century. The author begins with the early migrations of the Goths and their subjugation by the Hunnish invaders under Attila. He then describes Theodoric's boyhood as a royal hostage in Constantinople, where the young prince absorbed the methods of Roman law and administration. Upon returning to his people, Theodoric led them through years of struggle and migration into the territories of the Eastern Empire.
The narrative then turns to the political condition of Italy under the rule of Odovacar. At the commission of the Emperor Zeno, Theodoric marched his nation-army across the Alps, overthrew Odovacar in a series of sanguinary battles, and established a united Gothic and Roman kingdom. The author details the thirty years of peace and prosperity that followed this conquest, emphasizing Theodoric's dedication to civil administration, the repair of aqueducts, and the revival of agriculture.
Throughout the work, the author highlights the administrative machinery of the late Roman Empire, utilizing contemporary sources such as the letters of Cassiodorus. The narrative also explores the complex political bearings of Arian Christianity among the Germanic tribes, contrasting their faith with the orthodox beliefs of the Italian provincials and the growing power of the Franks under Clovis.
The final chapters record the gathering clouds over Theodoric's later years, including strained relations with his Catholic subjects and the tragic trials of Roman statesmen like Boëthius. The book concludes with Theodoric's death, the construction of his mausoleum at Ravenna, and the devastating wars of Justinian that ultimately destroyed the Gothic dominion in Italy.
