Vitiges facts for kids

A coin from Vitiges's time, called a quarter siliqua.

A map showing the first part of the Gothic War, from 535 to 540.

Vitiges (also spelled Vitigis, Witiges, or Wittigis) was a king of the Ostrogoths in Italy. He ruled from 536 to 540 AD. He became king during the early years of the Gothic War, a big conflict that lasted from 535 to 554.

This war started when Belisarius, a famous general from the Eastern Roman Empire, began taking over parts of Italy. Belisarius was working for Justinian I, the Eastern Roman Emperor. He had already captured Sicily and was moving into southern Italy.

How Vitiges Became King

Vitiges became king because he married Matasuntha. She was the only surviving child of Queen Amalasuintha. This marriage made Vitiges's claim to the throne stronger.

In 536, a special speech was given to celebrate their wedding. This speech was by Cassiodorus, an important Roman official. It presented the Gothic royal family in a way that honored Roman traditions.

Soon after becoming king, Vitiges had the previous king, Theodahad, killed. The Goths were very angry with Theodahad. He had not sent help to Naples when it was being attacked by Belisarius's army.

The End of Vitiges's Reign

Eventually, General Belisarius captured both Vitiges and his wife Matasuntha. They were taken to Constantinople, which was the capital city of the Eastern Roman Empire.

Vitiges died in Constantinople in 542 AD. He did not have any children. After Vitiges passed away, Matasuntha married a Roman nobleman named Germanus Justinus. He was a nephew of Emperor Justinian I.

Vitiges in Stories

Vitiges appears as a character in some fictional works.

• He is in the time travel novel Lest Darkness Fall by L. Sprague de Camp.
• He is played by Florin Piersic in the 1968 movie Kampf um Rom.