Who's Who in Medieval History
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Belisarius was noted for:
Being the leading Byzantine general during the reign of Emperor Justinian I. He won significant battles against the Persians and Ostrogoths, suppressed the Nike Revolt, and served his emperor with unstinting loyalty.Occupations:
Places of Residence and Influence:
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Byzantium (The Eastern Roman Empire)
Important Dates:
About Belisarius:
Belisarius served in Justinian's bodyguard and earned a command in his mid-twenties. After distinguishing himself in several battles against the Sasanian Empire, he returned to Constantinople, where he quashed the Nike Revolt. Next he scored notable victories against Germanic peoples in his quest to win back Italy for Justinian. His subsequent successes against the Ostrogoths were overshadowed by political difficulties. He fell out of favor with the emperor and only his wife's friendship with the empress saved him. His later years were spent in relative peace.
Find out more about the general's life and achievements in your Guide's Concise Biography of General Belisarius.
Myths About Belisarius:
A great deal of misinformation was generated about Belisarius centuries after his death. One notable story had him blinded by Justinian and wandering the streets as a beggar. There is absolutely no truth to these stories, but they have served as the basis for epic tales, novels and plays.
More Belisarius Resources:
Concise Biography of General Belisarius
Encyclopedia Article about General Belisarius
General Belisarius in Print
Belisarius on the Web
- Belisarius
Concise overview at Infoplease.
Gothic
War: Byzantine Count Belisarius Retakes Rome
Comprehensive overview of the Byzantine general's attempt to
retake the city of Rome from the Goths, by Erik Hildinger at
Military History magazine, online at TheHistoryNet.
Byzantium
Medieval Warfare
Medieval Military Leaders Quiz
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