The Life of Belisarius

Early Life

Belisarius was born in Germania in 505 AD. His family was not wealthy, and he did not receive a formal education. However, he was known for his intelligence and his natural abilities as a warrior. He joined the army at a young age and quickly rose through the ranks, eventually becoming a general.

Military Campaigns

Belisarius is best known for his campaigns in the East, where he fought against the Persian Empire and the Sassanid Empire. He was also involved in the reconquest of North Africa, which had been lost to the Vandals.

In 527 AD, Belisarius was sent by Emperor Justinian I to reconquer North Africa. With a small army, he landed near the city of Tripoli and quickly defeated the Vandal army at the Battle of Ad Decimum. He then captured the city of Carthage, which was the Vandal capital. Belisarius’ success in North Africa was due to his skillful use of his troops and his ability to adapt to changing circumstances.

After his victory in North Africa, Belisarius was sent to Italy to fight against the Ostrogoths. His campaigns in Italy were marked by a series of victories and setbacks. He captured the city of Ravenna, the Ostrogothic capital, but was unable to hold onto it due to a lack of resources.

Belisarius was then sent to the East to fight against the Sassanid Empire. He won a series of impressive victories, including the Battle of Dara and the Battle of Callinicum. He also captured the cities of Antioch and Jerusalem.

Later Years

In his later years, Belisarius fell out of favor with Emperor Justinian I. He was accused of plotting against the emperor and was imprisoned and stripped of his property. However, he was eventually pardoned and allowed to retire to his estates in Constantinople.

Belisarius died in 565 AD at the age of 60. Despite his many achievements, he was a modest and humble man. He was admired by his troops and was known for his fairness and his concern for their welfare.

Legacy

Belisarius is remembered as one of the greatest military commanders in history. He was known for his strategic vision, his tactical brilliance, and his ability to inspire his troops. His campaigns in North Africa and Italy helped to re-establish the Byzantine Empire’s control over the Mediterranean, while his victories in the East helped to secure the empire’s borders. Belisarius’ military tactics and strategies influenced military leaders for centuries to come.

LINKS

– Byzantine Collection (Byzantine themed merch from High Speed History)