Narses
Narses | |
|---|---|
Mosaic from the Basilica of San Vitale, often attributed to Narses, though definitive identification is uncertain due to limited historical evidence. | |
| Native name | |
| Born | 478 or 480 |
| Died | 566 or 573 (aged 86–95) |
| Allegiance | Byzantine Empire |
| Branch | Byzantine Army |
| Rank | General |
| Battles / wars | Nika Rebellion |
Narses (also spelled Nerses; Latin pronunciation: [ˈnarseːs]; Armenian: Ներսէս; Greek: Ναρσής; c. 478–573) was a distinguished Byzantine general and statesman of Armenian heritage, renowned for his critical role in Emperor Justinian I’s military campaigns. Alongside the famed Belisarius, Narses was instrumental in the reconquest of Italy during the Gothic War (535–554), which sought to restore the western provinces of the Roman Empire.
Narses first gained significant recognition by suppressing the Nika riots in 532, using his diplomatic skills and wealth to help quell the revolt. His later campaigns in Italy were marked by decisive victories, most notably at the Battle of Taginae in 552, where he defeated the Ostrogothic king Totila, and at the Battle of Mons Lactarius in 553, effectively ending the Ostrogothic kingdom.