History of Belisarius and how he helped the Byzantines reclaim former territories of the Western Roman Empire
Belisarius was one of the most notable generals of the Byzantine Empire, serving under Emperor Justinian I (also known as Justinian the Great) in the 6th century AD. His military campaigns are often credited with playing a key role in reviving the fortunes of the Byzantine Empire, expanding its boundaries, and helping to assert Imperial power.
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In the article below, World History Edu explores the life, military exploits, and legacy of Belisarius, including his role in the Byzantine Empire’s reclamation of the Mediterranean territory that belonged to Western Roman Empire.
Early Life and Career
Born around 500 AD in Illyria (a region in the Western Balkans), Belisarius came from a Thracian background. Little is known about his early life before he entered service under Emperor Justinian I. His rise to prominence began when Justinian ascended the throne in 527 AD. Recognizing Belisarius’ military talents early on, Justinian included him in his inner circle, entrusting him with significant military responsibilities.
Image: A mosaic of Belisarius.
The Persian Front
Belisarius first distinguished himself in the Persian Wars, which were part of a longstanding conflict between the Byzantine Empire and the Sassanian Empire. In 530 AD, he achieved a significant victory at the Battle of Dara, despite being outnumbered. This battle was crucial as it demonstrated his tactical skill and ability to use limited resources effectively. The following year, however, he suffered a defeat at the Battle of Callinicum, which prompted his recall to Constantinople. Despite this setback, his reputation remained largely intact due to his previous successes.
The Vandal War
In 533 AD, Justinian launched a campaign to reclaim the former territories of the Western Roman Empire, starting with the Vandal Kingdom in North Africa. Belisarius was given command of this expedition. With a fleet and an army, he landed at Caput Vada (modern-day Tunisia) and swiftly achieved a decisive victory at the Battle of Ad Decimum. Shortly thereafter, he defeated the Vandal King Gelimer at the Battle of Tricamarum. The success of these engagements led to the rapid conquest of the Vandal Kingdom, and Belisarius returned to Constantinople in triumph, parading the captured Gelimer and vast spoils through the streets.
Image: An ancient silver coin depicting King Gelimer.
The Gothic War
The most extended and challenging of Belisarius’ campaigns was the Gothic War in Italy, which began in 535 AD. Justinian aimed to reconquer the Italian peninsula, then under the rule of the Ostrogoths. Belisarius first captured Sicily and then crossed to the Italian mainland, taking Naples and Rome in 536 AD. The siege of Rome, which lasted over a year, was particularly notable for Belisarius’ strategic use of the city’s ancient Aurelian Walls against the besieging Ostrogothic forces.
However, the campaign in Italy was fraught with difficulties, including prolonged warfare, problems of logistics, and issues of loyalty among his troops. Despite these challenges, Belisarius managed to hold onto Italy until he was recalled to Constantinople in 540 AD. He left Italy with much of it secured under Byzantine control, although the complete conquest of the region would drag on for years under different generals.
Belisarius’ achievements under the aegis of Justinian I helped to temporarily restore the grandeur of the Roman Empire in the Mediterranean, making him a pivotal figure in the history of the Byzantine Empire. Image: An artwork portraying Justinian I.
Later Years and Legacy
After his service in Italy, Belisarius faced charges of corruption, possibly due to court intrigues and his own immense popularity, which might have been seen as a threat by Justinian. Although he was briefly imprisoned, he was soon pardoned and reinstated as a military commander. He continued to serve Justinian in various capacities, including leading campaigns against the Bulgars and in the Persian front once again.
Belisarius was eventually relieved of his command and spent his last years in relative obscurity. He died in 565 AD, just a few months before Emperor Justinian. Despite the inglorious end to his career, Belisarius’ legacy as one of Byzantium’s greatest generals remains intact. His campaigns significantly expanded the boundaries of the empire and demonstrated the military and administrative capabilities of Justinian’s reign.
His life and career have been immortalized in various historical and fictional accounts, most notably in the writings of Procopius, who served as his secretary during the Gothic War. Procopius’ works provide a detailed, if somewhat biased, account of Belisarius’ campaigns, offering a mix of admiration and criticism.
Belisarius’ military strategies, particularly his use of cavalry and his adaptive siege tactics, have been studied by military historians and theorists throughout the centuries. His ability to achieve significant victories with limited resources and in challenging circumstances has been especially highlighted.
FAQs
Why is Belisarius famous?
Belisarius is famous for his brilliant military strategies and his major victories in the Vandal War in North Africa, the Gothic War in Italy, and against the Persians in the East. His campaigns are seen as pivotal in restoring Byzantine power and expanding the empire.
What were Belisarius’s most significant battles?
Some of Belisarius’s most significant battles include:
- The Battle of Dara (530 AD) against the Persians, where his tactical genius was first prominently displayed.
- The Battle of Ad Decimum (533 AD) and the Battle of Tricamarum (533 AD), which led to the defeat of the Vandals in North Africa.
- The Siege of Rome (537-538 AD) during the Gothic War, notable for his defense of the city against a larger Ostrogothic army.
Did Belisarius really reclaim Rome?
Yes, Belisarius successfully reclaimed Rome from the Ostrogoths in 536 AD during the Gothic War. His capture and subsequent defense of Rome marked a significant moment in the attempt to restore the territories of the Western Roman Empire.
What military deception did Belisarius employ at the Siege of Ariminum (538)?
During the Siege of Ariminum in 538, Belisarius employed a clever tactic of military deception to relieve the city from the besieging Ostrogothic forces. The general’s strategy involved creating the illusion of a larger Byzantine force approaching, which played a pivotal role in the psychological manipulation of the enemy. Here’s how he executed this deception:
As Belisarius approached Ariminum, he sent a small detachment of troops to make their presence overtly known to the Gothic besiegers. This force was instructed to act in a manner that suggested they were the vanguard of a much larger army moving towards the city.
The goal of this maneuver was to create a sense of impending threat among the Gothic forces. Belisarius intended for the Goths to believe that they were about to be trapped between the city’s defenders and a significant Byzantine relief force. This fear was intended to force the Goths to reconsider their position and potentially withdraw to avoid encirclement.
While the feint drew the attention of the Gothic forces, Belisarius took advantage of their distraction to move the main body of his army along a less guarded route. This allowed him to enter Ariminum, resupply and reinforce the garrison, and prepare for any possible attack without direct confrontation.
The psychological impact of this deception was crucial. The Gothic forces, concerned about being outnumbered and outmaneuvered, decided to lift the siege and retreat. This decision was made out of fear of engaging a supposedly larger Byzantine force while being caught in a vulnerable position.
Belisarius’ tactic of deception at Ariminum is a classic example of using psychological warfare to achieve military objectives. It demonstrated Belisarius’s deep understanding of both military strategy and the psychological states of his adversaries. By avoiding a direct and potentially costly battle, Belisarius successfully relieved the city with minimal risk to his forces and maintained a crucial strategic position for the Byzantine Empire in Italy.
How did Belisarius die?
Belisarius died in 565 AD, reputedly in relative obscurity and modest circumstances in Constantinople. There are myths about him being blinded and reduced to begging, but these are not supported by contemporary evidence.
What was Belisarius’s relationship with Emperor Justinian like?
Belisarius had a complex relationship with Emperor Justinian. He was highly trusted and favored by Justinian for much of his career, which is evident from the significant military commands given to him. However, his career also experienced moments of disfavor, possibly due to court intrigues and jealousy, resulting in his temporary imprisonment and recall from military service.
Despite his glorious achievements, Belisarius’ successes were met with suspicion and envy by his fellow commanders as well as Emperor Justinian himself. Image: Bust of Belisarius.
How did Belisarius impact the Byzantine Empire?
Belisarius had a lasting impact on the Byzantine Empire through his military successes, which helped to expand the empire’s boundaries and strengthen its stability. His campaigns in North Africa, Italy, and against the Persians bolstered Byzantine control and influence across the Mediterranean and Near East.
What is the historical source for Belisarius’s life and campaigns?
The primary source of information on Belisarius’s life and campaigns is the historian Procopius, who served as his legal adviser and secretary during the Gothic War. Procopius wrote extensively in works such as “History of the Wars” and the more critical “Secret History,” which provide detailed, although sometimes biased, accounts of Belisarius’s military exploits and his relationship with Justinian.
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