Belisarius

Belisarius (bĕlĭsâr`ēəs), c.505–565, Byzantine general under Justinian I. After helping to suppress (532) the dangerous Nika riot (see Blues and Greens), he defeated (533–34) the Vandals of Africa, and captured their king. In 535 he was given command of the expedition to recover Italy from the Ostrogoths. He took Naples and Rome (536) and, after some delays occasioned by a conflict of authority with Narses, captured Milan and Ravenna (540). He fought an indecisive campaign (541–42) against Khosrow I of Persia, and in 544 was sent back to Italy against the Goths led by Totila. Handicapped by Justinian's jealousy and distrust, he could do little more than hold his enemies in check; he was recalled in 548 and replaced by Narses. In 559 he emerged from retirement to drive the Bulgarians from Constantinople. He was accused (562) of a conspiracy and temporarily imprisoned but was shortly restored to favor. He was largely responsible for the great expansion of the Eastern Empire under Justinian.

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Belisarius

(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.