Belisarius Click here for more free books!

(born c. 505, Germania, Illyria? — died March 565) Byzantine general. While serving in the bodyguard of Emperor Justinian I, he was appointed (c. 525) to command in the eastern armies, and he defeated the Persians in the Battle of Dara (530). In 532 Belisarius further gained Justinian's confidence by commanding the troops that ended the Nika Insurrection that nearly toppled the emperor. He led expeditions to overthrow the Vandals in North Africa (533) and regain Sicily and southern Italy from the Ostrogoths (535 – 537), defending Rome (537 – 538). He was offered a kingship by the Goths, which caused Justinian to recall him in disfavour. He was sent again to Rome (544 – 548) but with inadequate forces, and he was replaced by Narses in 548. Still loyal to Justinian, he was recalled in 559 to repel Hun invaders.