Theodahad

Timeline

1. c. 500–534Tuscany (central Italy) · TuscanyAs nephew of Theodoric the Great, Theodahad lived long in Italy, studying Neoplatonic philosophy and Latin literature deeply; according to Cassiodorus, his learning was much admired. At the same time he aggressively annexed lands in Tuscany, forcing locals to sell their land to him, which drew a written rebuke from Amalasuntha demanding their return, exposing his greedy and overbearing character.
2. 534–536Ravenna · Emilia-RomagnaAfter Athalaric (Theodoric's grandson) died in 534, Amalasuntha invited Theodahad to rule jointly. He promptly betrayed her, imprisoning her on Martana Island in Lake Bolsena and having her killed in 535, prompting Justinian to launch the Gothic War on the pretext that an ally had been murdered. Facing Belisarius's invasion of Sicily (535) and Mundus's occupation of Dalmatia, Theodahad was indecisive; he secretly sent envoys to Justinian offering to cede Italy in exchange for security, and when this was exposed he lost all authority. Late in 536 the Ostrogothic army deposed him and raised Witiges to the throne; Theodahad fled north in panic and was killed by pursuers en route.