Athalaric facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Athalaric |
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Detail of Consular diptych of Rufus Gennadius Probus Orestes, showing Althalaric on the left and Amalsuintha on the right C. 530
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| King of the Ostrogoths | |
| Reign | 526 – 534 |
| Predecessor | Theoderic the Great |
| Successor | Amalasuintha |
| Regent | Amalasuintha |
| Born | 516 |
| Died | 2 October 534 (aged 17–18) |
| Dynasty | Amali |
| Father | Eutharic |
| Mother | Amalasuntha |
Athalaric (born 516, died October 2, 534) was a young king of the Ostrogoths in Italy. He ruled from 526 to 534. Athalaric was the son of Eutharic and Amalasuntha. His mother, Amalasuntha, was the youngest daughter of Theoderic the Great. Athalaric became king after his grandfather, Theoderic, passed away in 526.
Becoming King
Athalaric was only about ten years old when he became king. Because he was so young, his mother, Amalasuintha, held all the real power. She was the regent, meaning she made all the important decisions for the kingdom.
His Mother's Role
Amalasuintha was in charge of the kingdom's politics. She also talked with other powerful leaders, like Emperor Justinian I. For example, around the year 533, she worked to get Emperor Justinian to help protect the Gothic kingdom. Amalasuintha also decided how Athalaric would be educated.
Education Choices
A writer named Procopius said that the Gothic nobles wanted Athalaric to be raised in the traditional Gothic way. This meant focusing on military training. However, Amalasuintha wanted him to be educated like a Roman ruler. She liked Roman learning and customs. Many Goths did not like this idea.
Eventually, Amalasuintha had to agree with the Gothic nobles. She allowed Athalaric to spend time with other boys his age. It is not fully clear how much of his Roman education he actually used. We also do not know who his Gothic teacher was. The Gothic nobles at the palace strongly pushed for military training over Roman subjects like grammar.
His Final Years
Athalaric became very unwell as he grew older. After a large gathering in 533, rumors spread that he was sick. His health continued to get worse. Athalaric died in October of 534.
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See also
In Spanish: Atalarico para niños
