Flavius ​​Belisarius (505-565 CE), a Byzantine general under Justinian I, managed to achieve countless victories and notably expanded the Byzantine Empire. Despite being an advanced and successful leader, Belisarius ended his life away from the public eye. Flavius ​​Belisarius was born in Germania, Illyria, in 505 CE. Very little is known about his ethnicity, but some traditions say he was of Slavic origin (Barker 1). He was posted under the command of Justinian when he was about twenty-five years old and given full command of the army (Barker 1). He led armies against the Sasanian Empire (Persia), the Vandal Kingdom (North Africa), the Ostrogoths (Italy), and other barbarian tribes who invaded Constantinople during Justinian's reign (Mark 1). Belisarius is known as one of the “last of the Romans” because he perfectly embodied the best values ​​of the Roman Empire (Mark 1). The general won his first laurels in 530 AD, after a great victory at Dara against the Sassanian empire. This battle occurred because hostilities between the empires had resurfaced during previous competitions for control of trade routes to Central Asia and India. The empires had lived in peace for 150 years before these trade battles resumed (Durant 108). Belisarius emerged as the hero of the war, despite his defeat the following year (Barker 1). Nika's revolt broke out in Constantinople in January 532, and he managed to extinguish it by massacring the rioters. During this time he married an old friend of Empress Theodora, Antonia, but soon after she died (Barker 1). Also in 532, Justinian was able to make peace with Persia by paying Khrosru Anushirvan, while Belisarius prepared to reconquer Africa...... middle of paper ...... took action one last time during the decline of his life. In 559, Hun tribes terrorized the city and he was recalled to service. He succeeded in frightening the Huns despite his lack of men, then resumed his previous retreat. Belisarius was sent to prison in 562 after being accused of corruption (Mark 1). Justinian, however, decided to pardon him, and he was soon released and appointed to the Byzantine court. He was left in peace for three years before being accused of conspiring in a plan to take Justinian's life (Mark 1). There are many myths about Belisarius' life in later years, but only one myth that is widely spread and popular. Many say that Justinian had him blinded and spent his time as a beggar in Constantinople. His wealth and favor were partially restored in 563, and he was left in peace until his death in 565 CE (Mark 1).