Belisarius: The Last Great General of Rome

Belisarius was a brilliant general who served the Byzantine Empire under Emperor Justinian I. He is considered one of the greatest military commanders in history. Belisarius led Justinian's armies to victory in a number of key campaigns, including the Vandalic War, the Gothic War, and the Nika Riots. He was also instrumental in Justinian's reconquest of Italy and North Africa.

Early Life and Career

Belisarius was born in Germania, Thracia, in the year 505 AD. His father was a veteran of the Byzantine army, and Belisarius followed in his footsteps, joining the army at a young age. He quickly rose through the ranks, and by the time he was in his early thirties, he was one of the most trusted generals in the Byzantine army.

The Vandalic War

In 533 AD, Emperor Justinian ordered Belisarius to lead an expedition to North Africa to reconquer the Vandal Kingdom. The Vandals had been ruling North Africa for over a century, and they had become a major threat to the Byzantine Empire. Belisarius's army was outnumbered by the Vandals, but he was able to defeat them in a series of brilliant battles. In 534 AD, Belisarius captured Carthage, the Vandal capital, and the Vandal Kingdom was destroyed.

The Gothic War

In 535 AD, Emperor Justinian ordered Belisarius to lead an expedition to Italy to reconquer the Ostrogothic Kingdom. The Ostrogoths had been ruling Italy for over two centuries, and they had become a major threat to the Byzantine Empire. Belisarius's army was again outnumbered, but he was able to defeat the Ostrogoths in a series of brilliant battles. In 540 AD, Belisarius captured Rome, the Ostrogothic capital, and the Ostrogothic Kingdom was destroyed.

The Nika Riots

In 532 AD, a series of riots broke out in Constantinople, the capital of the Byzantine Empire. The riots were known as the Nika Riots, and they threatened to overthrow Emperor Justinian. Belisarius was ordered to put down the riots, and he did so with great brutality. He killed over 30,000 people in the process, but he saved the Byzantine Empire from collapse.

Later Career and Death

Belisarius continued to serve Emperor Justinian until the emperor's death in 565 AD. He was one of Justinian's most trusted generals, and he played a key role in the Byzantine Empire's reconquest of the Western Roman Empire.

Belisarius died in Constantinople in 565 AD. He was one of the greatest military commanders in history, and he is still remembered today for his brilliant victories.

Legacy

Belisarius is considered one of the greatest military commanders in history. He was a brilliant tactician and strategist, and he was able to defeat armies that were much larger than his own. Belisarius's victories helped to restore the Byzantine Empire to its former glory, and he is remembered as one of the last great generals of the Roman Empire.