Odoacer
Odoacer: The Barbarian King of Italy
Odoacer (c. 433 – March 15, 493 AD) was a notable barbarian soldier and statesman, originating from the region of the Middle Danube. He is most remembered for his role in the demise of the Western Roman Empire and his subsequent reign as the first King of Italy.
Rise to Power
Odoacer's ascent began with his leadership of a revolt composed of Herulians, Rugians, and Scirians. This insurrection led to the deposition of the teenage Roman Emperor Romulus Augustulus on September 4, 476 AD, a pivotal event that many historians mark as the end of the Western Roman Empire. The deposition was supported by the Roman Senate, allowing Odoacer to rule independently while maintaining a formal recognition of the Eastern Emperor Zeno.
Reign and Relations with the Eastern Empire
Though he effectively controlled Italy, Odoacer remained a nominal client of the Eastern Roman Empire. He was addressed with titles such as "rex," "dux," and "patrician," the latter being conferred by Emperor Zeno. In one surviving document from his rule, Odoacer is also addressed as king.
During his reign, Odoacer sought to expand his influence beyond Italy. In 484, he invaded the western provinces of the Eastern Empire when Illus, the Eastern magister militum, requested his support against Zeno. In retaliation, Zeno incited the Rugii to attack Italy, but Odoacer successfully repelled them in the battles north of the Danube River in 487–488.
Conflict with Theodoric the Great
Odoacer's conflict with the Ostrogoths was instigated by Zeno, who dispatched Theodoric the Great to eliminate him. Theodoric invaded Italy in 489, capturing most of the territory by 490 and cornering Odoacer in Ravenna, where he maintained his capital. Theodoric eventually killed Odoacer in 493, taking control of Italy and establishing the Ostrogothic Kingdom.
Legacy
Odoacer's brief rule marked a transitional period between the fall of the Western Roman Empire and the establishment of the Ostrogothic Kingdom. Though a barbarian leader, his rule was characterized by a semblance of continuity with Roman traditions, as seen in his support by the Senate and his acknowledgment of the nominal overlordship of the Eastern emperor.