Josiah of Judah vs Theodoric the Great

Josiah implemented sweeping reforms: he removed all idolatrous objects from the Temple, destroyed high places throughout Judah and Samaria, burned the bones of pagan priests on their altars, and reinstituted the Passover celebration. He centralized worship in Jerusalem.

Josiah extended his reforms into the former northern kingdom of Israel. He tore down the altar at Bethel built by Jeroboam I, burned the high place, and desecrated it with human bones. This fulfilled a prophecy made 300 years earlier.

During repairs of the Temple, Hilkiah the high priest found the Book of the Law, likely Deuteronomy. When Shaphan read it to Josiah, the king tore his clothes in grief, realizing how far Judah had strayed from God's commands. This discovery triggered a national religious revival.

Josiah commanded the people to celebrate the Passover as prescribed in the Book of the Law. This was the most extensive Passover observance since the time of the judges, involving the entire nation and following the detailed regulations of the newly discovered law.

Pharaoh Necho II of Egypt marched through Judah to aid the Assyrians against Babylon. Josiah intercepted Necho's army at Megiddo, despite Necho's warning not to interfere. Josiah was killed in the battle, ending his reform movement and leading to Judah's decline.

Theodoric the Great led the Ostrogoths in conquering Italy from Odoacer. He defeated Odoacer in several battles and eventually besieged Ravenna. Theodoric tricked Odoacer into a truce and then murdered him, establishing the Ostrogothic Kingdom of Italy.

Theodoric established the Ostrogothic Kingdom in Italy with its capital at Ravenna. He maintained Roman administrative structures and laws while ruling as a Gothic king. His reign brought stability and prosperity to Italy, blending Roman and Gothic cultures.

Theodoric promoted coexistence between Romans and Goths, allowing Romans to keep their laws and institutions. He appointed Romans to high offices and supported the Roman Senate. This policy maintained stability and preserved Roman culture in Italy.

Theodoric ordered the execution of the philosopher Boethius on charges of treason. Boethius had been a high-ranking official and was suspected of conspiring with the Byzantine Empire. This event tarnished Theodoric's reputation as a just ruler and highlighted tensions between Romans and Goths.