Belisarius took Syracuse without a siege. The Ostrogothic garrison saw his fleet

535 Event

Belisarius Completes the Conquest of Sicily

Belisarius took Syracuse without a siege. The Ostrogothic garrison saw his fleet, counted the soldiers, and simply surrendered the keys. He'd conquered the entire island in one campaigning season — grain shipments to Constantinople resumed within weeks. But this was also his last day as consul, Rome's most prestigious office. He spent it accepting a fortress, not attending ceremonies in silk robes. The emperor Justinian had given him an army and one year of glory. Belisarius chose to spend both on Sicily's wheat fields, knowing they fed the capital better than any parade. He sailed for Africa next, already planning how to take Carthage with even fewer men.

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December 31, 535

1491 years ago

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Belisarius Completes the Conquest of Sicily

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