Quick Facts
Learned Ostrogothic queen and regent who maintained Roman-Gothic cooperation, murdered by her cousin whose treachery gave Justinian his pretext for war.
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Life Journey
Born to Theodoric the Great, King of the Ostrogoths, and Audofleda, sister of the Frankish king Clovis.
Received an exceptional classical Roman education, mastering Latin, Greek, and philosophy.
Married Eutharic, a Gothic prince whom Theodoric designated as his heir.
Gave birth to Athalaric, who would become her father's successor.
Her husband Eutharic died, leaving her a widow with a young son.
When Theodoric died, became regent for her ten-year-old son Athalaric.
Successfully continued her father's policies of cooperation between Goths and Roman senators.
Faced opposition from Gothic nobles who resented her Roman ways and classical education of Athalaric.
Athalaric's health deteriorated due to the dissipated lifestyle the Gothic nobles encouraged.
Maintained diplomatic relations with Constantinople, earning Emperor Justinian's respect.
Her son Athalaric died, ending the male line of Theodoric.
Made her cousin Theodahad co-ruler, trusting his promises of cooperation.
Theodahad betrayed her, having her imprisoned on an island in Lake Bolsena.
Strangled in her bath by Theodahad's agents, ending her life and giving Justinian his pretext for war.
Her murder gave Justinian the justification to launch the reconquest of Italy, devastating the peninsula.