 | This article needs additional citations for verification. (December 2022) |
Belisarius | |
|---|---|
 Belisarius may be this bearded figure[1] on the right of Emperor Justinian I in the mosaic in the Basilica of San Vitale in Ravenna, which celebrates the reconquest of Italy by the Roman army.[Note 1] | |
| Born | c. 500 Either Germania, Moesia or Germen, Thrace[Note 2] |
| Died | March 565 (aged 64) Rufinianae, Chalcedon, Bithynia |
| Buried | Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul, Constantinople |
| Allegiance | Byzantine Empire |
| Service/ | Byzantine army |
| Rank | Magister militum |
| Battles/wars |
|
| Spouse(s) | Antonina |
Belisarius[Note 3] (Latin pronunciation: [bɛ.lɪˈsaː.ri.ʊs]; Greek: Βελισάριος; c. 500[Note 4] – March 565)[2] was a military commander of the Byzantine Empire under Emperor Justinian I. Belisarius was instrumental in the reconquest of much of the Mediterranean territory belonging to the former Western Roman Empire, which had been lost less than a century prior. Belisarius is considered one of the greatest military commanders in history and the greatest of all Byzantine generals.[3][4][5]
One of the defining features of Belisarius' career was his success despite varying levels of available resources. He is frequently cited as being among the "Last of the Romans". He conquered the Vandal Kingdom of North Africa in the Vandalic War in nine months and conquered much of Italy during the Gothic War. He also defeated the Vandal armies in the battle of Ad Decimum and played an important role at Tricamarum, compelling the Vandal king, Gelimer, to surrender. During the Gothic War, despite being significantly outnumbered, he and his troops recaptured the city of Rome and then held out against great odds during the siege of Rome.
After a setback at Thannurin, he won a battle against the Persians at Dara but was defeated at Callinicum. He successfully repulsed a Hunnic incursion at Melantias. He was also known for military deception; he repulsed a Persian invasion by deceiving their commander and lifted the siege of Ariminum without a fight.
- ^ Mass, Michael (June 2013). "Las guerras de Justiniano en Occidente y la idea de restauración". Desperta Ferro (in Spanish). 18: 6–10. ISSN 2171-9276.
- ^ Barker, John Walton (28 August 2024). "Belisarius". Encyclopedia Britannica. Retrieved 14 September 2024.
- ^ Hughes, Ian (2009). Belisarius: The Last Roman General. Yardley, PA: Westholme. pp. xi, 250. ISBN 978-1-59416-085-1.
- ^ Grant, R. G. (2011). Commanders: History's Greatest Military Leaders. DK. p. 56. ISBN 978-1-4053-3696-3.
- ^ Rehman, Iskander (21 September 2017). "History's Model General? Reflections on the Life and Times of Belisarius". War on the Rocks. Retrieved 24 April 2024.{{bsn|reason=Rehman is political
Cite error: There are <ref group=Note> tags on this page, but the references will not show without a {{reflist|group=Note}} template (see the help page).