Siege of Rome, (537–538). The desire of Emperor Justinian to restore the full extent of the Roman Empire led to a struggle for control of Italy between his Byzantine army, led by Belisarius, and the kingdom of the Ostrogoths. Belisarius liberated Rome from the Goths, but then had a hard fight to hold the city.

Belisarius Belisarius refusing the crown of Italy offered by the Goths, woodcut, 1830. Photos.com/Jupiterimages

Belisarius began his campaign to reconquer Italy with victory in Sicily. He then crossed into Italy at Rhegium and lay siege to Naples. In the autumn of 537, he took Naples and marched on Rome. To the Ostrogoths, it was obvious that the populace favored Belisarius, so they left as Belisarius triumphantly entered the ancient capital.

Belisarius had a defensive ditch dug outside the walls and prepared the city for siege. The Ostrogoths built seven camps around the city and destroyed aqueducts that supplied fresh water. On the eighteenth day, they attacked with siege towers but were pushed back. Belisarius decided to dig in and sent for reinforcements, occasionally launching small sorties to wear down the morale of the Goths. Finally, after many weeks of attrition, Roman reinforcements arrived. The Ostrogoths were suffering from plague and famine as much as the Romans and sought a truce, offering parts of southern Italy in return for Rome. However, realizing that the tide was turning in his favor, Belisarius waited as the condition of the Ostrogoths deteriorated still more. In desperation, the Goths attempted to storm the city, but they were defeated.

In the meantime a Roman army under the command of John won several victories, effectively cutting the Goths off. After almost 400 days, the Goths abandoned the siege in order to defend their capital of Ravenna. As they withdrew, Belisarius pursued them and routed them at the Milvian Bridge outside Rome.

Get exclusive access to content from our 1768 First Edition with your subscription. Subscribe today

Losses: Unknown.