The First Siege of Rome during the Gothic War lasted for a year and nine days, from ca. March 537 to March 538. It was fought between the defending East Romans, under general Belisarius, and the Ostrogothic army under king Witigis. The siege was the first major encounter between the forces of the two opponents, and played a decisive role in the subsequent development of the war.



Background

With northern Africa back in Roman hands after the successful Vandalic War, Emperor Justinian I turned his sights on the Empire"s cradle, Italy, with the old capital, the city of Rome. In the late 5th century, the peninsula had come under the control of the Ostrogoths, who, although they continued to acknowledge the Empire"s suzerainty, had established a practically independent kingdom. However, after the death of its founder, the very able Theodoric the Great, in 526, Italy descended into turmoil. Justinian took advantage of this to meddle in the affairs of the Ostrogoth state.In 535, Mundus invaded Dalmatia, and Belisarius, with an army of 7,500 men, captured Sicily with ease.Bury (1923), Ch. XVIII, p. 170-171 From there, in June next year, he crossed over to Italy at Rhegium. After a twenty-day siege, the Romans sacked Naples in early November. After the fall of Naples, the Goths, who were enraged with the inactivity of their king, Theodahad, gathered in council and elected Witigis as their new king.Bury (1923), Ch. XVIII, p. 175-177 Theodahad, who fled from Rome to Ravenna, was murdered by an agent of Witigis on the way. In the meantime, Witigis held a council at Rome, where it was decided not to seek immediate confrontation with Belisarius, but to wait until the main army, stationed in the north, was assembled. Witigis then departed Rome for Ravenna, leaving a 4,000 strong garrison to secure the city.Bury (1923), Ch. XVIII, p. 178Nevertheless, the citizens of Rome decisively supported Belisarius, and, in the light of the brutal sack of Naples, were unwilling to support the risks of a siege. So, a delegation on behalf of Pope Silverius and eminent citizens was sent to Belisarius. The Ostrogoth garrison quickly realized that, with the population hostile, their position was untenable. Thus, on December 9, 536 AD, Belisarius entered Rome through the Asinarian Gate at the head of 5,000 troops, while the Ostrogoth garrison was leaving the city through the Flaminian Gate and headed north towards Ravenna.Bury (1923), Ch. XVIII, p. 180 After 60 years, Rome was once again in Roman hands.