Ermanaric

Ermanaric was a king of the Greuthungi, a Gothic people, who ruled in the late 4th century CE. He is primarily known through the writings of Roman historians such as Jordanes and Ammianus Marcellinus. Ermanaric's reign is often associated with the expansion of Gothic territory and influence in Eastern Europe, particularly in the region north of the Black Sea.

According to Jordanes' Getica, Ermanaric was a powerful and ambitious ruler who brought many tribes under his dominion. His empire is described as vast, stretching from the Baltic Sea to the Black Sea. He is depicted as a formidable warrior who fought numerous campaigns, subduing peoples like the Wends, Aestii, and various Sarmatian tribes.

However, Ermanaric's reign also marked the beginning of the Gothic confrontation with the Huns. Ammianus Marcellinus recounts that Ermanaric, despite his earlier successes, was ultimately forced to face a devastating Hunnic invasion. The strain of this conflict and likely the internal pressures of his vast kingdom contributed to his death. Jordanes claims he died of old age, while Ammianus suggests he committed suicide to avoid falling into Hunnic hands. His death is traditionally dated to around 375 or 376 CE. Ermanaric's legacy is that of a significant Gothic ruler whose kingdom ultimately succumbed to the pressures of migrating peoples, marking a turning point in the history of the region.