In his early life, Theodahad studied Plato and other Greek philosophers and amassed considerable wealth through property acquisitions in Tuscany,[6] Italy, sometimes employing violent methods.

Theodahad had a wife and three children: two sons, including Theodegisclus, and a daughter named Theodenanthe, both of whom are mentioned in Procopius's writings.

Theodahad's cousin, Amalasuintha, ruled as regent for ten years on behalf of her son Athalaric and continued to govern after his death.

In response to her death, Emperor Justinian I initiated military actions in Sicily, marking the beginning of the Gothic Wars.

Following the death of Amalasuintha, Emperor Justinian I seized the opportunity to invade Sicily, swiftly conquering it in hopes of reuniting the Eastern and Western Roman Empires.

In response, Theodahad sought to negotiate peace with the envoys sent by Justinian before the invasion began, hoping to secure his freedom by potentially selling the kingdom.

Upon learning of Witiges's election, Theodahad returned to Ravenna in an attempt to reclaim control and secure himself from the advancing Byzantine forces.

[6] Theodahad is featured in Felix Dahn's 1876 historical novel Ein Kampf um Rom, which was translated into English in 1878 as A Struggle for Rome.