How did Theodoric establish the Ostrogothic kingdom in Italy?

Theodoric the Great established the Ostrogothic kingdom in Italy primarily through a military campaign commissioned by the Eastern Roman emperor Zeno.1

In 488, Zeno directed Theodoric to invade Italy to overthrow the barbarian ruler Odoacer, who had been governing the region since 476. Theodoric arrived in Italy in 489 with his people and successfully defeated Odoacer in three major battles. By 490, Theodoric controlled most of the peninsula, though Odoacer held out in Ravenna for more than three years.12

The conflict concluded in 493 when the two leaders agreed to govern Italy jointly. However, shortly after entering Ravenna, Theodoric murdered Odoacer and massacred his followers, effectively consolidating his own power.12

Once in control, Theodoric established a kingdom that operated within the existing Roman political framework. While he theoretically recognized the overlordship of the Eastern emperor, he acted as an independent king of both the Romans and the Goths. He maintained the Roman civil service and legal system for the Roman population, while the Goths remained subject to their own customs and served as the exclusive military force.31