Belisarius' tactical awareness in his campaigns throughout the Mediterranean world showed a genius which belied the contemporary Roman decadence in leadership. His battles against the Persians, although not always victorious, showed energy and vigor in securing peace, if only fleeting. Even at the risk of facing charges (real or otherwise) of treason from a constantly jealous Justinian, the achievements of Belisarius in Italy, North Africa, and in his final campaign against the Bulgars demonstrates to the world that true genius is not contained, nor hindered, by petty court drama and envy.

Today is September 13. On this day in history in 533, one of the greater generals in the history of the world, Flavius Belisarius, defeated the Vandals near Carthage in North Africa. This was the Battle of Ad Decimum and the victory marked the beginning of the end for the Vandals and began the "Reconquest" of the west under the Roman Emperor Justinian I.

Many historians dispute the wisdom of Justinian's moves stating that it weakened the African rulers against the coming Mohammedan hordes, but regardless, it happened.

Belisarius is not well known today but his skills match Alexander the Great, Julius Caesar and any other general in the ancient world that you might compare.

He was probably of Greek origin and became a Roman soldier early in life. He lead and made possible a great many of the successful campaigns of the Emperor Justinian. The partnership of Belisarius and Justinian increased the Empire by 50%.


Belisarius is also the subject of considerable works in the arts. A legend appeared, in the Middle Ages, that he was disgraced, blinded and abandoned by the Emperor and wandered a blind beggar. The legend persists that he was forced to say, "A penny for Belisarius," and this legend is found from time to time in literature on the subject.

This legend was the source of much art and literature over the centuries. Please spend a little time reading the article about this great man at:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belisarius