Teias

Type Figure Region Italy Time c. 520–553 Also known as Teias、Teja、Theia、提埃亚斯

The last king of the Ostrogoths (552–553), a loyal general of Totila. After Totila died at the Battle of Busta Gallorum in 552, the remnant Ostrogoth…

Timeline

c. 541–552Northern Italy · Po ValleyTeias served as an important general during Totila's reign, active chiefly in northern Italy, responsible for guarding Ticinum (modern Pavia) and other strategic points as well as the Ostrogothic treasury. Renowned for his absolute loyalty to Totila, he became the spiritual mainstay of the remnant Ostrogothic army after Totila fell at the Battle of Busta Gallorum.
552–553Mons Lactarius · CampaniaAfter Totila's death in 552, the Ostrogothic remnant elected Teias king. He first led troops through Ticinum to withdraw the treasury's wealth, then marched south to face the Byzantine army led by Narses at Mons Lactarius. According to Procopius, the battle raged for more than a day; Teias fought at the front, repeatedly changing shields before finally falling exhausted. His head was displayed before the whole army, and the surviving Ostrogoths were forced to accept peace terms. The Ostrogothic Kingdom came to an end, and Italy was incorporated into the Byzantine Empire.

Sources

De Bello Gothico（《哥特战争史》） — Procopius
The Later Roman Empire 284–602: A Social, Economic and Administrative Survey — A. H. M. Jones (1964)