Belisarius Defeats Vandals at Ad Decimum
September 13th, 533
September 13th, 533

How Long Ago?
1491 years, 6 months, 2 days ago
Location
Carthage, North Africa
Category
Military & Warfare
War/Conflict
Vandalic War
People
- Justinian I
- Belisarius
- Gelimer
Links & References
Tags
Belisarius Defeats Vandals at Ad Decimum
Belisarius, the Byzantine general, led a decisive victory against Gelimer and the Vandals at the Battle of Ad Decimum, situated near Carthage in North Africa. This confrontation marked a pivotal point in the Byzantine campaign to reclaim lost territories in the West. Despite being outnumbered, Belisarius’s strategic acumen, swift maneuvers, and superior tactics overwhelmed the Vandal forces. The battle set the stage for the eventual reconquest of North Africa by the Byzantine Empire, a significant achievement for Emperor Justinian I, aiming to restore the glory of the Roman Empire.
Belisarius commanded 10,000 men at Ad Decimum.
Vandals were led by King Gelimer, outnumbering Byzantines.
Victory paved the way for Byzantine control of North Africa.
Belisarius is recognized for his tactical brilliance.
What Happened?
The Battle of Ad Decimum, fought near Carthage, was a crucial engagement during the Byzantine campaign against the Vandal Kingdom in North Africa. Under the command of the renowned general Belisarius, the Byzantine forces faced off against the army of King Gelimer, who had successfully seized control of North Africa earlier in the 5th century. Emperor Justinian I, intent on restoring Roman territories, dispatched Belisarius to undertake the task of reconquering these lands.
On the eve of battle, the Byzantine forces numbered around 10,000 men, while Gelimer commanded a much larger contingent. However, Belisarius employed highly effective tactics, utilizing his cavalry and infantry to exploit the weaknesses in the Vandal ranks. The battle commenced with a fierce engagement, and despite initial resistance, the well-coordinated Byzantine attack led to a collapse of the Vandal formation. Gelimer, realizing defeat was imminent, retreated, leaving his forces to succumb to the disciplined advance of Belisarius’s troops.
This victory not only showcased Belisarius's military genius but also bolstered morale for the Byzantine Empire’s reconquest efforts. After the battle, Belisarius secured the surrounding region, facilitating a stronger Byzantine foothold in North Africa. In the following months, the remnants of the Vandal forces would be decisively dealt with, culminating in the complete annexation of the Vandal Kingdom into the Byzantine Empire. The Battle of Ad Decimum marked the beginning of a significant territorial expansion under Justinian’s rule, laying the groundwork for future Byzantine military campaigns.
Why Does it Matter?
The Battle of Ad Decimum is significant as it marked a turning point in the Byzantine Empire's efforts to reclaim former Roman territories. This victory set a precedent for further military actions against the Vandals, eventually leading to the complete integration of North Africa into the Byzantine domain. Belisarius's strategies and leadership during this battle exemplified the military reforms and ambitions of Justinian I, whose reign would be characterized by ambitious territorial expansion. The event illustrated the military capabilities of Byzantium in the face of numerically superior foes.
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