If you read the name Belisarius and your first thought is “Beli-who?”, don’t worry, you’re definitely not alone. Belisarius hails from a period of history oft-neglected by teachers and professors – even at the collegiate level.
To put it succinctly:
Belisarius was a general who served under the Byzantine Emperor Justinian in the mid-6th century A.D. He fought wars against Persia and, more famously, spearheaded Justinian’s campaign to reconquer the Western Roman Empire. He is widely regarded as a brilliant tactician and one of the best field commanders of the ancient and early medieval periods. The historical accounts also show that he possessed a rare streak of nobility in an age of rampant intrigue and corruption.
There’s much more to Belisarius’ story, but that will be revealed in good time.
If you’re interested in further reading, I recommend Belisarius’ wikipedia entry and this thoroughly readable account of the Siege of Rome.
