Following the annexation of Africa, a war began for the possession of the historical core of the western part of the empire - Italy. The reason for the start of the war was the overthrow and murder of the legitimate queen of the Ostrogoths Amalasun-you by her husband Theoditus. In the summer of 535, Belisarius landed in Sicily with an 8,000-strong detachment and in a short time, almost without resistance, occupied the island. The following year, his army crossed to the Apennine Peninsula and, despite the huge numerical superiority of the enemy, recaptured its southern and central parts. The Italians everywhere met Belisarius with flowers, only Naples resisted. The Christian Church played a huge role in this support of the people. In addition, confusion reigned in the camp of the Ostrogoths: the murder of the cowardly and treacherous Theoditus, a riot in the troops. The army chose Witigis, a brave soldier but a weak politician, as the new king. He, too, was unable to stop the advance of Belisarius, and in December 536 the Byzantine army occupied Rome without a fight. The clergy and townspeople arranged a solemn meeting for the Byzantine soldiers. The population of Italy no longer wanted the power of the Ostrogoths, as evidenced by the following fact. When in the spring of 537 the 5,000-strong detachment of Belisarius was besieged in Rome by the huge army of Vitigis, the battle for Rome lasted 14 months; despite hunger and disease, the Romans remained loyal to the empire and did not let Vitigis into the city. It is also indicative that the king of the Ostrogoths himself printed coins with the portrait of Justinian I - only the power of the emperor was considered legitimate. In the deep autumn of 539, the army of Belisarius besieged the capital of the barbarians, Ravenna, and a few months later, relying on the support of friends in the city, the imperial troops occupied it without a fight.
It seemed that the power of Justinian knew no bounds, he was at the height of his power, plans for the restoration of the Roman Empire were coming true. However, the main tests were still waiting for his power. The thirteenth year of the reign of Justinian I was a "black year" and began a period of difficulties that could only be overcome by the faith, courage and steadfastness of the Romans and their emperor. This was the third stage of his reign (540-558).
https://all-andorra.blogspot.com/2020/07/news-update-01072020-25611.html
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