1. Justinian’s Reign and the reconquest of Rome 527-565 Don’t do drugs! Stay in school!

4. She had been the daughter of a bear trainer in the Hippodrome (coliseum) of Constantinople. Circuses, races, and other spectacles were held there.

17. Some of Justinian’s goals were to recapture and reunite Rome with Constantinople and to defeat the Persians in the East.

18. Around 533, Justinian sent his most trusted and able General, Belisarius , to reconquer Northern Africa.

19. Much of Belisarius’ success came from his tactics and strategy . He was a very sneaky leader who would use any methods to win. Even this...

20. The Byzantine Empire was still using the kontos in warfare. It was an overhand thrusting spear that was used before the stirrup was invented.

21. Belisarius sailed to North Africa with 500 ships. He feigned an attack near Egypt and sailed on to land farther along the coast.

22. The Vandal king Gelimer surrendered without a fight after Belisarius placed his army between the city and the Vandal army.

26. As Belisarius approached Rome, there were several cities that had to fall first. He could leave few enemies behind his army.

34. How much could they do?

49. After 1 year and 9 days , the Goths burned their camps and marched away from Rome. Are we advancing? Shut up, Krognor!

51. Of course, Justinian’s paranoia was now justified (?). He thought that Belisarius would jump at the chance. He had a eunuch General named Narses take over in Rome and had Belisarius brought home in 541 AD.

52. Narses lost Rome to the Goths in 543. What a surprise... Don’t let the door hit you on the way out! Yeah!

53. So Justinian sent Belisarius to recapture Rome in 544, but only let him take 4000 men this time. Kontos

54. Belisarius recaptured Rome, withstood another siege in 546, and was then recalled to Constantinople by a jealous Justinian in 549. (What a goober!)