The Ostrogoths were a branch of the Gothic tribes that played a significant role in the history of Europe during the late Roman Empire. Their kings, such as Theodoric the Great, established a kingdom in Italy after the fall of the Western Roman Empire. The Ostrogothic Kingdom was known for its attempts to preserve Roman culture and governance. The reign of the Ostrogothic kings lasted from the late 5th century until the mid-6th century. They faced challenges from the Byzantine Empire and internal conflicts, which ultimately led to the kingdom's decline. The Ostrogoths left a lasting impact on the cultural and political landscape of medieval Europe.