Theoderic the Great (454 – August 30, 526), often referred to as Theodoric, is king of the Germanic Ostrogoths (471–526), ruler of Italy (493–526), regent of the Visigoths (511–526), and a viceroy of the Eastern Roman Empire.

His Gothic name translates into "people-king" or "ruler of the people".

Theoderic was born in Pannonia in 454, after his people had defeated the Huns at the Battle of Nedao.

His father is King Theodemir, a Germanic Amali nobleman, and his mother is Ereleuva.

Theoderic grows up as a hostage in Constantinople, receiving a privileged education, and he succeeds his father as leader of the Pannonian Ostrogoths in 471.

Settling his people in lower Moesia, Theoderic comes in conflict with Thracian Ostrogoths led by Theodoric Strabo, whom he eventually supplans, uniting the peoples in 484.

Byzantine Emperor Zeno subsequently gives him the title of Patrician and the office of Magister militum (master of the soldiers), and even appoints him as Roman Consul.

Seeking further gains, Theoderic frequently ravages the provinces of the Eastern Roman Empire, eventually threatening Constantinople itself.

In 488, Emperor Zeno orders Theoderic to overthrow the German Foederatus Odoacer, who had likewise been made patrician and even King of Italy, but who had since betrayed Zeno, supporting the rebellious Leontius.

After a victorious three-year war, Theoderic kills Odoacer with his own hands, settles his 100,000 to 200,000 people in Italy, and founds an Ostrogothic Kingdom based in Ravenna.

He promotes separation between the Arian Ostrogoths and the Roman population; intermarriage is outlawed.

Seeking to restore the glory of Ancient Rome, he rules Italy in its most peaceful and prosperous period since Valentinian, until his death in 526.

Memories of his reign make him a hero of German legend as Dietrich von Bern.