ower without Gods support. By using this belief Theodoric was able to gain the following of the Roman people by claiming that "it was God's help which allowed him to rule Romans properly" . Theodoric used this even further, depicting himself in images with God and Christ. By using the idea of God as a controlling body and that only rulers with his support would be successful Theodoric was able to solidify his control over the Western Empire.
             Theodoric's religious ideas presented an ideal of tolerance that was unheard of in this time period. Theodoric believed in religious tolerance among the people he ruled. Theodoric believed that Christians, Aryans, Jews and other religions should have the right to practice their religions under his rule. In his letter to the Jews of Genoa Theodoric wrote " We cannot command the religion of our subjects, since no-one can be forced to believe against his will." . This demonstrates Theodoric's belief in religious freedom. By allowing religious freedom it also maintained social order. In previous years emperors either supported persecution of certain religions or were unable to stop it. Theodoric stabilised the Kingdom by preventing such persecution to occur. By allowing religious freedom Theodoric created a level of tolerance that his predecessors could not .
             By using religion Theodoric was able to ensure his rule over the Roman people. He claimed that it was divine providence that allowed him to gain his power and therefore he was the just ruler of the Roman people. Through his acts of religious tolerance he increased his support by gaining the backing of religions other than Christianity. His use of religion aided him in being a successful leader.
             Theodoric in his rule of Italy continually sought the approval of the Eastern Emperors. While many historians disagree about the real reasons for this it seems the main goals were to gain recognition from ...