The Siege of Rome in 537 was a critical phase of the Gothic War, where the Byzantine Empire sought to reclaim territory from the Ostrogoths. In a strategic maneuver, Byzantine General Belisarius received 1,600 cavalry reinforcements, which significantly included archers of Hunnic and Slavic descent, known for their skill and effectiveness in combat. These troops, equipped with advanced bow techniques, were poised to enhance the Byzantine offensive capabilities against the entrenched Gothic forces led by King Vitiges, who had fortified their positions around Rome. Following their arrival, Belisarius sought to exploit the weaknesses of the Gothic defenses through rapid cavalry raids. His forces targeted supply lines and outposts, aiming to disrupt the Goths' ability to sustain their siege of the city.

However, despite his tactical brilliance, Belisarius faced numerous challenges. The shortage of supplies hampered his ability to maintain prolonged engagements, which forced him into a tactical stalemate. While the Hunnic and Slavic cavalry were formidable, the Gothic defenses proved resilient, leading to an impasse where neither side could claim a decisive victory. The situation highlighted the complexities of war logistics and the unpredictable nature of military engagements, where even a numerical advantage could be neutralized by strong defensive strategies.