Byzantine Emperor Justinian's reconquests from "summary" of History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire by Edward Gibbon
In the sixth century, the Byzantine Emperor Justinian embarked on a ambitious campaign to reconquer the lost territories of the Western Roman Empire. His reconquests were marked by a series of military campaigns that aimed to restore the glory of Rome under his rule. With his general Belisarius leading the way, Justinian's armies marched into North Africa, Italy, and Spain, reclaiming these regions from the barbarian tribes that had swept through them in previous centuries. One of Justinian's most notable achievements was the reconquest of North Africa from the Vandals. This region had been under Vandal rule for over a century, but under Belisarius' leadership, the Byzantine forces were able to defeat the Vandal king Gelimer and bring North Africa back into the Byzantine fold. This victory not only restored Roman control over a strategically important region, but also brought valuable resources and wealth back into the empire. Justinian's reconquests also extended to Italy, where the Ostrogothic king Theodoric had established his own kingdom. Belisarius once again led the Byzantine forces to victory, defeating the Ostrogoths and capturing the city of Ravenna, which served as the capital of the Ostrogothic kingdom. By reclaiming Italy, Justinian was able to bring this wealthy and populous region back under Byzantine control, further solidifying his authority in the West. In addition to North Africa and Italy, Justinian also made gains in Spain, where the Visigoths had established their own kingdom. While the Byzantine presence in Spain was relatively short-lived, Justinian's reconquest of this region demonstrated the extent of his ambition and the reach of his military prowess. These reconquests helped to restore the territorial integrity of the Roman Empire and reaffirm Byzantine power in the West.- Justinian's reconquests were a testament to his vision of a restored Roman Empire and his determination to reclaim the lost territories of the West. Through the efforts of Belisarius and other skilled generals, Justinian was able to achieve significant military successes and bring vast regions back under Byzantine control. The legacy of his reconquests would have a lasting impact on the history of the Roman Empire and the Byzantine world.
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