Belisarius - The Last Roman

Belisarius was a renowned Byzantine general who lived in the 6th century AD. He was born in Germane, a small town in Thrace (nowadays in Bulgaria), around 505 AD, and was raised in a modest family. Despite his humble origins, he would go on to become one of the greatest military leaders in Byzantine history, winning numerous battles and conquering vast territories.

Early Life and Military Career

Belisarius started his military career as a young man when he joined the imperial guard of the Byzantine Emperor, Justin I. He quickly rose through the ranks due to his exceptional talent and dedication, and was eventually appointed as a commander of a cavalry unit. In 527 AD, Justin's nephew, Justinian I, became emperor, and he immediately recognized Belisarius' talents and appointed him to lead a campaign against the Persians.

The Persian Campaign

Belisarius' first major military campaign was against the Sassanid Empire, a powerful Persian state that controlled a vast territory stretching from modern-day Iran to Iraq. The campaign was a success, with Belisarius defeating the Persians in several battles and capturing key cities such as Nisibis and Theodosiopolis. The campaign was not without its setbacks, however, and Belisarius was forced to retreat after being ambushed by the Persians near Callinicum. Despite this setback, Belisarius' successes in the Persian campaign earned him the reputation as one of the best generals in the Byzantine Empire.

The Vandalic War

In 533 AD, Belisarius was appointed as the commander-in-chief of the Byzantine expedition to North Africa. The mission was to reconquer the province of Africa from the Vandals, a Germanic tribe that had invaded and occupied the region in 429 AD. Belisarius arrived in North Africa with a small army, but he quickly defeated the Vandal forces in several battles, including the decisive battle of Ad Decimum. The Vandals were forced to surrender, and North Africa was once again under Byzantine control.

The Gothic War

Belisarius' next major campaign was against the Goths, a Germanic tribe that had invaded Italy and captured Rome in 476 AD. The Byzantines had long wanted to retake Italy, and in 535 AD, Belisarius was appointed to lead the campaign. Belisarius faced significant challenges in Italy, as the Goths had established a well-defended kingdom that spanned much of the peninsula. Nevertheless, Belisarius managed to win several decisive battles and capture key cities such as Naples, Rome, and Ravenna. The campaign was not without its setbacks, however, and Belisarius was recalled to Constantinople in 540 AD due to a conflict with the emperor's sister, who had accused him of treason.

Later Life and Legacy

After his recall from Italy, Belisarius lived in obscurity for many years, and his reputation was tarnished by the accusations of treason. However, he was eventually reinstated and given command of the Byzantine army in the east. He continued to serve the empire until his death in 565 AD, but he never again achieved the same level of success as he had in his earlier campaigns.

Belisarius' military career was marked by his exceptional leadership, tactical brilliance, and unwavering loyalty to the Byzantine Empire. He was one of the most successful generals in Byzantine history, and his campaigns in North Africa and Italy greatly expanded the empire's territory and influence. Despite his many accomplishments, Belisarius was also known for his humility and compassion, and he was greatly admired by both his allies and enemies. His legacy lives on as one of the greatest military leaders of all time.