Odoacer

Odoacer, who lived from around 433 to 493 AD, was an important soldier and leader from the Middle Danube. He served in the Roman army and later became the ruler of Italy. Odoacer is famous for deposing the last emperor of the Western Roman Empire, Romulus Augustulus, in 476 AD. This event is often seen as the end of the Western Roman Empire.

Even though he ruled Italy, Odoacer showed respect to the Eastern Roman Emperor Zeno in Constantinople. He used titles like king, leader, and patrician. With support from the Roman Senate, he managed land and kept peace for most of his time in power. Although he followed Arian beliefs, he did not trouble the main Christian church much.

Odoacer began his rise by leading troops from several groups to remove Romulus Augustulus from power. After that, he ruled Italy while still recognizing other emperors. He later took control of Dalmatia after dealing with some difficult situations. In the end, another leader named Theodoric the Great invaded Italy, captured Odoacer, and took over after a meal where Odoacer was killed.

Origins

The name Odoacer has different theories about where it comes from. Some think it has Germanic roots meaning “luck” and “vigilant.” Others suggest it might be from Turkic languages, meaning “grass-born,” “fire-born,” or “herder.”

Odoacer was described as being from the Sciri people. His father’s name was Edeco, and he had a brother named Hunulf. Historians debate whether Odoacer’s family was Germanic, Turkic, or a mix of different groups from the time of Attila the Hun. Some ancient writers called him a Goth, while others linked him to the Sciri, Heruli, or Rugii peoples.

Odoacer’s exact background remains unclear, but he likely came from a mixed group of people living near the Middle Danube region during a time of frequent movement and mixing among different tribes.

Before Italy

John of Antioch reported that Odoacer was 60 years old when he died in 493, which means he was born around 433.

There are two old stories about military leaders named Odoacer from the History of the Franks by Gregory of Tours. Both happened during the time of Childeric I, king of the Franks, who died around 481.

In one story, a leader named Adovacrius led a group of Saxons near the Loire River. Some believe this might be the same Odoacer who later ruled Italy.

In another story, Odoacer teamed up with Childeric to fight the Alamanni, who were causing trouble in Italy. This Odoacer is likely the same person who would become king of Italy.

Before Odoacer became a ruler, he met a holy man named Severinus. Even though they had different religious beliefs, Severinus told Odoacer he would become famous. Odoacer remembered this meeting.

Leader of the foederati

By around 470, Odoacer was an officer in the remaining Roman Army. He was part of the Roman military and helped in battles. When Orestes became a top leader in Italy in 475, Odoacer became in charge of the barbarian soldiers there.

The soldiers wanted land to live on, but Orestes refused. So, they turned to Odoacer to lead them. Orestes was killed, and Odoacer was named king on August 23, 476. Soon after, he captured the young emperor Romulus and made him step down on September 4. Odoacer spared Romulus and gave him money to live safely.

Odoacer ruled Italy but acted as a leader for the Eastern Roman Emperor Zeno. Zeno gave Odoacer the title of Patrician and allowed him to govern Italy for Rome. Odoacer did not bring back the old Western emperor, Julius Nepos, who stayed in Dalmatia until he died.

Reign

Further information: Kingdom of Odoacer

In 476, Odoacer became the leader of Italy after his soldiers chose him as their king. He worked with the leaders in Rome and gave important jobs to many of them. He also made new coins that were bigger and better than the old ones.

Odoacer was a Christian but got along well with other church leaders. He helped people in different areas by giving them time to pay taxes. He also fought battles to keep control of the land around Italy.

Fall and death

As Odoacer grew stronger, the Eastern Emperor Zeno saw him as a rival. Zeno asked Theodoric the Great and his Ostrogoths to defeat Odoacer and take control of Italy. In 489, Theodoric led his army into Italy and fought Odoacer. Odoacer was defeated and withdrew to Ravenna, but Theodoric continued to attack.

After a long siege, a peace treaty was made allowing both leaders to share Ravenna and rule together. However, Theodoric broke the treaty and killed Odoacer during a meal. Following this, Theodoric also had many of Odoacer’s loyal supporters killed. Despite the violent end, Odoacer’s time in power helped lay the groundwork for a new kingdom in Italy under Theodoric.

Later portrayals

Some old poems and stories talk about Odoacer. In an old German poem called the Hildebrandslied, Odoacer (named Otacher) is mentioned as the person who made Hildebrand leave his home. There is also an old English poem called "Wulf and Eadwacer" that some people think tells part of Odoacer's story.