Theodoric the Great was a king of the Ostrogoths who ruled from 493 to 526 AD. He is best known for establishing the Ostrogothic Kingdom in Italy after defeating the last Roman emperor, Romulus Augustulus. Theodoric aimed to create a stable and prosperous realm that blended Roman and Gothic cultures. During his reign, Theodoric implemented policies that promoted religious tolerance and economic development. He supported the Roman administrative system and encouraged the arts and education. His rule is often seen as a time of relative peace and cultural flourishing in a post-Roman world.