THE SONTIUS
August 28, 489  - v1.0

by Chris Jackson

SYMBOL SET REQUIRED - Master 1


HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

After almost a year of trekking over hostile terrain across the Balkans,
the Ostrogoth Kingdom under Theodoric finally reached the border of Italy 
in August 489. All that lay between them was the deep, rapid Sontius River
(now the Isonzo). And Odoacer was determined that they would come no
further.

Odoacer was ready with a well-prepared fortification of an earthen rampart.
There were said to be banners of many barbarian tribes at Odoacer's camp - 
it appears that many other factions in the area wanted to retain the status
quo in the balance of power. When Theodoric arrived, he arranged his
cavalry and charged across the river. Despite facing a ready army well-
fortified behind a major river, Theodoric's army stormed the rampart and 
took the camp, sending the Odoacer's men scattering across the Venetian 
plains. The Ostrogoths were now in Italy with a seemingly impossible victory!

Why this happened is a matter of speculation. Most historians put the blame 
on Odoacer himself. Now aged about fifty-six, and spending most of the last
two decades enjoying life at court rather than the battlefield, he may not 
have been the general he once was. It is also possible he underestimated the 
sheer size of the enemy and panicked. At any rate, Odoacer fled to Verona,
made camp there and attempted to rally his forces. Theodoric was conceded 
the upper corner of Italy, and both sides prepared to do battle a second 
time.
 

SOURCES

Hodgkin, Thomas. "Italy and Her Invaders, Volume 3". London: Russell and Russell,
     (1880-89), 1967.

Hodgkin, Thomas. "Theodoric the Goth". London: GP Putnam's Sons, 1891.

"Theodoric". Encyclopedia Britannica, volume 11, p. 688. Chicago University Press,
     1995.


BATTLE NOTES

Odoacer's side has the defensive advantage, but the Ostrogoths have the 
advantage in leadership and morale. The Ostrogoths will take their heaviest
losses trying to cross the Sontius, but once they get across in force the
Rugo-Herulians will be the ones at the disadvantage. 



-Chris Jackson
October 23, 1998

  