What did belisarius do

Belisarius was one of the most successful and renowned Byzantine generals during the reign of Emperor Justinian. His military genius shone brightly in campaigns that reasserted the might of the Byzantine Empire across the Mediterranean world. His legacy is not only one of conquest and military prowess but also of loyalty, innovation, and the complexities of imperial service.

In this blog post, we do not intend to provide an exhaustive biography of Belisarius, but rather to focus on certain aspects of his character that made him great. We aim to delve into the traits and decisions that distinguished him not only as a skilled warrior but also as a man of exceptional virtue and influence. His tactical acumen in these campaigns has been lauded by historians for centuries.

The battle for Rome, which spanned from January to March , stands as a testament to his strategic foresight and exceptional leadership. When the indecisive Theodahad was overthrown by the Gothic army, Vitiges emerged as the new king, promptly retreating north of Rome. Immediately upon his arrival in Rome, Belisarius began preparations for an anticipated siege, correctly predicting that the Goths would soon lay assault to the city.

Indeed, Vitiges encircled Rome with his forces, initiating a siege that would last over a year. He tirelessly inspected the defenses, led sorties against the besiegers, organized the Roman citizens into work brigades, and with his example, fortified the morale of his outnumbered force of 5, soldiers.

Belisarius death

At this point, Belisarius was around 58 years old, past the prime of most military commanders of his era, yet his strategic mastery remained sharp. Emperor Justinian, by then 77 years old, faced a dire threat as the Kutrigur Huns, numbering in the thousands, crossed the ice-bound Danube and advanced toward Constantinople, pillaging Thrace along the way.

Answer more than 18 questions correctly, and you wll win a copy of History Chronicles Magazine Vol 1! Take our interactive history quiz now and put your knowledge to the test! What was the name of the alliance formed by Greek city-states to resist the Persians in the Second Persian War?