March 2, 0537

The Siege of Rome by the Ostrogoths under King Vitiges begins. The Ostrogoths attempt to reclaim the city from the Byzantine Empire, which had taken control under General Belisarius.

Rome, Italy | Ostrogoths

The Siege of Rome by the Ostrogoths (537)

On March 2, 537, the Siege of Rome began, marking a significant episode in the Gothic War (535–554) between the Ostrogoths and the Byzantine Empire. This conflict was part of Emperor Justinian I’s ambitious campaign to reconquer the western territories of the former Roman Empire. The siege was led by the Ostrogothic King Vitiges, who aimed to reclaim Rome from the Byzantines, who had seized it under the command of the renowned General Belisarius.

Background

  • The Gothic War: Initiated by Justinian I, the war sought to restore Roman control over Italy, which had been under Ostrogothic rule since the fall of the Western Roman Empire in 476.
  • Belisarius: A skilled Byzantine general, Belisarius had successfully captured Rome in December 536, taking advantage of internal strife among the Ostrogoths and their weakened leadership.

The Siege

  • Ostrogothic Forces: King Vitiges assembled a large army, reportedly numbering around 45,000 men, to besiege Rome and expel the Byzantine forces.
  • Defensive Preparations: Belisarius, anticipating the siege, fortified the city’s defenses, repaired the ancient Aurelian Walls, and stockpiled supplies to withstand a prolonged assault.
  • Tactics: The Ostrogoths employed various siege tactics, including attempts to breach the walls and cut off Rome’s water supply by targeting the aqueducts.

Key Events

  • Initial Assaults: The Ostrogoths launched several direct assaults on the city, but Belisarius’s strategic defense and the resilience of his troops repelled these attacks.
  • Prolonged Siege: The siege lasted for over a year, with both sides enduring hardships. The Byzantines faced shortages of food and water, while the Ostrogoths struggled with disease and supply issues.
  • Diplomatic Efforts: Throughout the siege, both sides engaged in negotiations, but these efforts failed to produce a resolution.

Aftermath and Significance

  • Byzantine Victory: The siege eventually ended in March 538 when Vitiges, unable to breach the city’s defenses and facing reinforcements sent by Justinian, withdrew his forces.
  • Impact on the Gothic War: The successful defense of Rome bolstered Byzantine morale and marked a turning point in the Gothic War, allowing Belisarius to continue his campaign in Italy.
  • Legacy: The siege demonstrated Belisarius’s military acumen and the resilience of the Byzantine forces, contributing to the temporary restoration of Roman control over Italy.

The Siege of Rome in 537 was a pivotal moment in the Byzantine reconquest efforts, showcasing the strategic brilliance of Belisarius and the determination of the Byzantine Empire to reclaim its former territories.

Reference: en.wikipedia.org