Theoderic and the Roman Imperial Restoration

Theoderic and the Roman Imperial Restoration offers a new interpretation of the fall of Rome and the 'barbarian' successor state known as Ostrogothic Italy.

Jonathan J. Arnold (Author)

9781107054400, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 24 February 2014

354 pages
23.1 x 16 x 2.5 cm, 0.59 kg

'Theoderic and the Imperial Restoration offers an insightful and engaging history of Ostrogothic Italy as it was understood, and to some extent imagined, by those who experienced it first hand. As an analysis not only of the sources themselves but also of the politics of Italy during a period of unprecedented change (even if such change is minimized by the sources), Arnold's book is a valuable contribution to our understanding of Ostrogothic Italy and its place within the historiography of late antiquity.' Sean W. Lafferty, Early Medieval Europe

This book provides a new interpretation of the fall of the Roman Empire and the 'barbarian' kingdom known conventionally as Ostrogothic Italy. Relying primarily on Italian textual and material evidence, and in particular the works of Cassiodorus and Ennodius, Jonathan J. Arnold argues that contemporary Italo-Romans viewed the Ostrogothic kingdom as the Western Roman Empire and its 'barbarian' king, Theoderic (r.489/93–526), as its emperor. Investigating conceptions of Romanness, Arnold explains how the Roman past, both immediate and distant, allowed Theoderic and his Goths to find acceptance in Italy as Romans, with roles essential to the Empire's perceived recovery. Theoderic and the Roman Imperial Restoration demonstrates how Theoderic's careful attention to imperial traditions, good governance, and reconquest followed by the re-Romanization of lost imperial territories contributed to contemporary sentiments of imperial resurgence and a golden age. There was no need for Justinian to restore the Western Empire: Theoderic had already done so.

Introduction
Part I. An Empire Turned Upside-Down: 1. Ennodius the Ligurian
2. Cassiodorus the Calabrian
Part II. Emperor Theoderic: 3. Princeps romanus
4. The Imperial image
Part III. Italo-Romans and Roman Goths: 5. Men of Mars
6. Rex genitus, vir inlustris
Part IV. Italia Felix: 7. Italy revived
8. Rome rejuvenated
Part V. Renovatio Imperii: 9. Becoming post-Roman
10. Gallia felix
Epilogue.

Subject Areas: Colonialism & imperialism [HBTQ], Classical history / classical civilisation [HBLA1], Ancient history: to c 500 CE [HBLA]