April 22, 0536

The Byzantine general Belisarius enters Rome, marking a significant moment in the Gothic War as the Eastern Roman Empire seeks to reclaim the Italian Peninsula from the Ostrogoths.

Rome, Italy | Byzantine Empire

The Entry of Belisarius into Rome: April 22, 536

On April 22, 536, the Byzantine general Belisarius entered Rome, marking a pivotal moment in the Gothic War (535–554) as the Eastern Roman Empire sought to reclaim the Italian Peninsula from the Ostrogoths. This event was part of Emperor Justinian I’s ambitious campaign to restore the territories of the former Western Roman Empire under Byzantine control.

Context and Background

  • The Gothic War: Initiated by Emperor Justinian I, the Gothic War was part of a larger strategy known as the “Justinian Reconquest,” aimed at re-establishing Roman dominance in the West. The war began in 535 when Belisarius, a prominent and skilled general, was tasked with leading the campaign against the Ostrogoths who had controlled Italy since the fall of the Western Roman Empire in 476.

  • Belisarius: Known for his strategic acumen and loyalty to Justinian, Belisarius had previously demonstrated his military prowess in the Vandalic War in North Africa. His success there earned him the command of the forces sent to Italy.

Key Events Leading to the Entry

  • Initial Campaigns: Belisarius landed in Sicily in 535, quickly securing the island as a base for further operations. His forces then moved to the Italian mainland, capturing Naples after a protracted siege.

  • Approach to Rome: As Belisarius advanced towards Rome, the Ostrogothic king Theodahad was unable to mount an effective defense. The political instability within the Ostrogothic kingdom, marked by Theodahad’s weak leadership, facilitated Belisarius’s progress.

The Entry into Rome

  • Peaceful Entry: On April 22, 536, Belisarius entered Rome largely unopposed. The citizens of Rome, weary of Ostrogothic rule and hopeful for a return to Roman governance, opened the gates to Belisarius and his troops.

  • Strategic Importance: The capture of Rome was not only symbolic but also strategically crucial. It provided the Byzantines with a stronghold in central Italy and a significant morale boost for Justinian’s campaign.

Aftermath and Consequences

  • Siege of Rome: Following Belisarius’s entry, the Ostrogoths, under their new king Vitiges, laid siege to Rome in March 537. The siege lasted over a year, but Belisarius’s effective defense and strategic use of the city’s fortifications ultimately led to a Byzantine victory.

  • Continued Conflict: The Gothic War continued for several more years, with fluctuating fortunes for both sides. Despite initial successes, the Byzantines faced challenges in maintaining control over the recaptured territories.

  • Legacy: Belisarius’s entry into Rome was a significant step in Justinian’s reconquest efforts. Although the Byzantine hold on Italy would eventually weaken, this moment marked a temporary resurgence of Roman influence in the West and demonstrated the military capabilities of the Byzantine Empire under Justinian’s rule.

In summary, the entry of Belisarius into Rome on April 22, 536, was a crucial event in the Gothic War, symbolizing the Byzantine Empire’s determination to restore Roman authority in the West and highlighting the strategic brilliance of one of its greatest generals.

Reference: en.wikipedia.org