Historical Events tagged with "italy"

Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.

Politics & Government

Justinian I Rewards Liberius with Italian Estates

August 13th, 554 1470 years ago

Emperor Justinian I recognized Liberius for his significant contributions in the formulation of the Pragmatic Sanction of 554, which aimed to reconcile relations with the Western Roman Empire. In gratitude, he granted Liberius extensive estates across Italy. This reward underscored Liberius's influence in court and marked a pivotal moment in the administration of Justinian's Italy, reflecting the emperor's intent to secure loyalty from his officials by bestowing substantial landholdings.

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Military & Warfare

Narses Triumphs over Totila in Italy

July 1st, 552 1472 years ago

Byzantine General Narses defeated the Ostrogoth forces led by King Totila in a decisive battle in Italy. This confrontation at Taginae turned the tide in the ongoing struggle for control of Italy during the Gothic War. The battle was characterized by strategic maneuvers and fierce fighting, culminating in the mortal wounding of Totila, significantly weakening the Ostrogothic resistance. Narses, known for his tactical acumen, leveraged his troops' discipline and coordination to secure a remarkable victory.

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Military & Warfare

Ostrogoths Capture Rome Through Bribery

January 16th, 550 1475 years ago

The Ostrogoths, led by King Totila, successfully captured Rome by laying siege to the city. After a prolonged military effort, they cleverly bribed the Isaurian garrison, who were responsible for guarding the city, ultimately leading to their surrender and the strategic recapture of Rome by Totila's forces. This pivotal moment marked a significant turn in the Gothic War.

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Military & Warfare

Ostrogoths Plunder Rome Through Bribery

December 17th, 546 1478 years ago

Ostrogoth king Totila successfully captured Rome by bribing the Eastern Roman garrison stationed there. This maneuver allowed Totila's forces to enter the city and loot its treasures without significant resistance. It marked a pivotal moment in the Gothic War as Rome faced severe degradation under the Ostrogothic control and highlighted the vulnerabilities of the Eastern Roman Empire's military in the region.

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Military & Warfare

Vitiges Retreats from Rome to Ravenna

March 12th, 538 1487 years ago

Vitiges, king of the Ostrogoths, retreated from the siege of Rome, leaving the city under the control of the Byzantine general Belisarius. Despite the Ostrogoths' prolonged efforts, the strategic leadership of Belisarius and the resilience of the Roman defenses led to the decision to abandon the siege. This turning point marked a significant moment in the ongoing conflict between the Byzantine Empire and the Ostrogoths.

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Military & Warfare

Belisarius Launches Raids Against Goths

April 9th, 537 1488 years ago

Byzantine General Belisarius receives 1,600 cavalry reinforcements, primarily composed of Hunnic and Slavic bowmen. With their arrival, Belisarius conducts raids on Gothic camps, targeting King Vitiges' troops. Despite lacking adequate supplies, Belisarius aims to destabilize the Gothic position but finds himself in a stalemate, unable to secure a decisive advantage against the well-fortified enemy.

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Military & Warfare

Siege of Rome by Ostrogoths Begins

March 2nd, 537 1488 years ago

The Ostrogoth army, led by King Vitiges, initiated the siege of Rome, targeting the heart of the Byzantine Empire. As the situation intensified, General Belisarius executed a strategic delaying action near the Flaminian Gate, where he and a small contingent of his bucellarii narrowly avoided encirclement by enemy forces. This marked a critical moment in the conflict as both sides prepared for prolonged confrontation over control of the city.

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Military & Warfare

Belisarius Enters Rome without Resistance

December 9th, 536 1488 years ago

The Byzantine general Belisarius entered Rome, taking control without facing any opposition. The Gothic garrison, unable to withstand the pressure from the Byzantine forces, fled the capital in a retreat that dramatically changed control of the city. This maneuver underscored the strength and strategic prowess of Belisarius during a tumultuous time in Rome's history.

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Military & Warfare

Belisarius Conquers Sicily, Defeating Palermo Garrison

December 31st, 535 1489 years ago

The Byzantine general Belisarius achieved a significant victory in Sicily by successfully defeating the Gothic garrison situated in Palermo. This marked a pivotal moment in the ongoing conflicts between the Byzantine Empire and the Ostrogoths, as the conquest of Palermo solidified Byzantine control over Sicily. Belisarius had been appointed as a general under Emperor Justinian I, with the mission of reclaiming lost territories in the West, and this victory was instrumental in furthering those ambitions.

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