Ostrogoths

The Ostrogoths were a branch of the Gothic people, a group of East Germanic tribes. They emerged in the early centuries AD and played a significant role during the decline of the Roman Empire. Branching off from the earlier Goths, they settled in areas like Italy and the Balkans. The Ostrogoths are best known for establishing a kingdom in Italy under King Theodoric the Great in the late 5th century, where they blended Roman and Gothic cultures. Their influence waned in the 6th century due to conflicts with the Byzantine Empire, leading to their eventual decline.