Name etymology
The origin of the name Odoacer, which may give indications as to his tribal affiliation, is debated. It is however traditionally derived … See more

In 476, Odoacer was proclaimed rex by his soldiers and dux Italiae by emperor Zeno, initiating a new administrative era over Roman lands. Odoacer introduced a few important changes to … See more

• The Old High German Hildebrandslied mentions Odoacer (as Otacher) as the person who drove Hildebrand from his home.
• The See more

• Alaric I
• Gaiseric
• Germanic peoples
• Barbarian invasions See more

There are two recorded incidents involving military leaders with the name Odoacer preserved in the History of the Franks of Gregory of Tours, … See more

By 470, Odoacer had become an officer in what remained of the Roman Army. Although Jordanes writes of Odoacer as invading Italy "as leader of the Sciri, the Heruli and allies of various races", modern writers describe him as being part of the Roman military … See more

As Odoacer's position improved, Zeno, the Eastern Emperor, increasingly saw him as a rival. Odoacer exchanged messages with Illus, who had been in open revolt against Zeno since 484. Switching allegiances, Zeno subsequently sought to destroy Odoacer … See more