Siege of Rome (537–538)
First siege of Rome during Justinian's Gothic War
Siege of Rome (537–538)
The siege of Rome took place from 2 March 537 to 12 March 538 AD and was the city's first siege during the Gothic War (535–554) between the defending Byzantine Empire's forces under the leadership of General Belisarius and a numerically superior Ostrogothic force under King Vitiges. 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. Belisarius prepared the fortification of Rome for the upcoming siege and organized the city's defense with about 5,000 troops, installed artillery on the walls, and recruited citizens to assist in manning the walls. The Goths established fortified camps around Rome and attempted to cut its water supply. They soon launched an assault against Rome on multiple fronts using siege towers, battering rams, and ladders, but the defenders repulsed the Gothic attacks. The failure of the Gothic assault turned the siege into a prolonged struggle of attrition. Gothic forces...
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