Under the leadership of King Totila, the Ostrogoths launched a strategic attack on Rome, employing a unique tactic to secure control of the city. The Eastern Roman garrison, positioned to protect the storied capital of the Empire, was persuaded to abandon their posts not through overwhelming force, but rather through substantial bribes. Totila orchestrated this cunning strategy that allowed his forces to infiltrate Rome with relative ease. Upon entering, the Ostrogoths began a systematic plunder that devastated the already weakened city, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake.

The context of this event lies within the Gothic War, a conflict characterized by the struggle between the Eastern Roman Empire, also known as the Byzantine Empire, and the Ostrogoths who were seeking to reclaim Italy. The war had already rendered the region unstable, and Rome was a focal point of contention. The successful capture not only underscored the military acumen of Totila but also symbolized the declining power of the Eastern Roman military forces. Though the city had historically been a bastion of Roman strength, its fall to the Ostrogoths displayed the fragility of Rome's defenses and marked a shift in the power dynamics within Italy.

The implications of this event were far-reaching. The plundering of Rome by Totila enhanced the image of the Ostrogoths as formidable adversaries, while also highlighting the Byzantine Empire's weakened state. As Rome and its wealth diminished, the Gothic influence on the Italian peninsula grew, ultimately shaping the future political landscape. The event also ignited a series of military engagements, as both factions scrambled to reclaim and secure their territories, further altering the course of regional history.