When did the Gothic War begin and end?
The Gothic War began in 535 when Emperor Justinian I declared war following the death of Amalasuntha. The conflict concluded with the surrender of remaining Goths at Campsa near Naples in spring 555.
Questions about Gothic War (535–554)
Short answers, pulled from the story.
Who commanded Byzantine forces during the Gothic War?
Belisarius served as commander-in-chief from 536 until his return to Italy in 544. Narses led the final expeditionary army starting mid-551 and defeated Totila at Taginae and Teias at Mons Lactarius.
What caused the collapse of peace between Ostrogoths and Byzantines?
Peace collapsed after Theodoric died and his grandson Athalaric became king at age ten. Gothic magnates killed three conspirators before Amalasuntha wrote to Justinian for sanctuary, leading Theodahad to arrest and kill her in early 535.
How many men did Belisarius bring to Sicily in late 535?
Justinian appointed Belisarius as commander-in-chief with only 7,500 men to invade Sicily. These forces were small compared to those he had used against the Vandals in 533.
When was Rome sacked by Totila during the Gothic War?
Totila entered Rome on the 17th of December 546 when his men scaled walls at night and opened Porta Asinaria. He tore down about one-third of the city's walls before leaving.
Which battle ended the main phase of the Gothic War in Italy?
The Battle of Taginae occurred near Taginae where Narses defeated Totila who was killed during the rout. Gothic garrisons holding Rome capitulated shortly afterward and Teias surrendered at Mons Lactarius in October 553.