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IldibadKing of the Ostrogoths, reigned in 540-541.
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King of the Ostrogoths: Ildibad
Reign:540-541 ADIn the aftermath of Ravenna's fall and King Witiges' capture, the Ostrogothic kingdom was fragmented. Scattered Gothic bands roamed the Italian countryside, terrorizing the populace with their violence and extortion.
Rise to Power
Ildibad's kingdom initially comprised only a narrow strip of land from Pavia to Verona, with a force of 1,000 Gothic warriors garrisoned in Ticino. However, he swiftly consolidated his position. In 540 AD, he annihilated the Roman army led by Vitalius at the Battle of Tarbesii. This victory made him a popular hero, and he quickly extended his control over Liguria and Venetia.
War against the Romans
With the departure of the renowned general Belisarius, the Byzantine army in Italy was weakened. Ildibad and his rival Uraia engaged in a bloody feud over the Gothic leadership. Despite this internal conflict, the Goths managed to gain ground against the Romans.
Reign and Demise
Ildibad's reign was short-lived. In a moment of rashness or misunderstanding, he married off the fiancée of a Gepid warrior in his personal guard. In retaliation, the Gepid murdered Ildibad during a feast.
Legacy
Despite his brief reign, Ildibad's victories against the Romans and his ability to unite the Goths under a single banner earned him a place in Ostrogothic history. His resistance contributed to the protracted nature of the Gothic War and delayed Byzantine control over Italy.
