Vitiges

Vitiges (c. 480–542) was ruler of the Ostrogothic Kingdom in Italy from 536 to 540 during the Gothic War between the Ostrogoths and the Byzantine Empire under Justinian I. Vitiges came from humble roots and had a respected military career under Theodoric the Great, later becoming one of the king's bodyguards and adviser to King Athalaric. Under King Theodahad, he became leader of the king's bodyguards and the Gothic forces in Rome. He rose to power after the overthrow of Theodahad, whose failure to counter the Byzantines at the onset of the Gothic War had angered the Gothic nobility. To strengthen his legitimacy, Vitiges forced a marriage to Mataswintha, the granddaughter of Theodoric and daughter of Amalaswintha. His reign began during a period of crisis, as the Byzantine general Belisarius had already conquered Sicily, much of southern Italy, and Rome in December 536. Vitiges attempted to halt the Byzantine advance by besieging Rome in 537 with superior numbers but the defenders under Belisarius resisted the assault. After a year-long siege, he withdrew from Rome and concentrated on defending northern Italy and the Gothic capital at Ravenna, while seeking allies against the Byzantines. In 540, Vitiges found himself trapped in the capital as Byzantine forces increased their control of the surrounding region. He agreed with the Gothic nobility to offer to Belisarius the crown of the Western Roman Empire. Belisarius pretended to accept, but once inside the city, took Vitiges captive, and brought him to Constantinople. Vitiges died there in 542 without heirs, marking the end of his reign.