Aligern

Aligern or Aligernus was an Ostrogoth military leader, active in Gothic War (535-554). By the end of the war, Aligern had joined the Byzantine army. The main sources about him are Procopius and Agathias.

Biography

Agathias describes Aligern as the son of Fredigernus (Fritigern) and younger brother of Teia, king of the Ostrogoths (r. 552-553). Procopius considers Aligern to be a brother of Totila (r. 541-552). This is probably an error, since Aligern could not be a brother to both monarchs. Modern historians consider Agathias more reliable on the matter.

He is first mentioned, unnamed, in 552 by Procopius. Totila appointed Herodianus and Aligern as joined commanders over the city of Cumae. What happened to Herodianus is uncertain. Aligern is mentioned defending the city to c. 554, following the deaths of both Totila and Teia. Agathias explains Aligern's continued defiance by pointing to the strong defensive position of the city and an apparent "abundance of supplies". During a Byzantine siege of the city, Aligern is recorded killing Palladius.