Armies of Justinian the Great, AD 527-65

A fully illustrated study of the 6th-century campaigns that saw the Byzantine Empire largely reconquer the Mediterranean, examining Emperor Justinian I’s generals and troops in detail.

While the Germanic invasions of 5th century destroyed the Western Roman Empire, the Byzantine (Eastern Roman) Empire entered the 6th century largely unscathed. Under the reign of Justinian I (r. 527-65), it saw the imposition of Orthodox Christian authority, a new codification of laws and a partial restoration of Roman imperial glory, as the emperor tasked a group of highly skilled generals with recapturing the Mediterranean coast. This engaging new study combines expert research with archaeological photographs and newly commissioned illustrations to examine the personalities, tactics, uniforms and weaponry behind this mighty effort.

Roman military historian Raffaele d’Amato brings to life the remarkable characters who oversaw Justinian’s armies, expertly chronicling their struggles and victories. Commanders and generals such as Belisarius, Narses and John Troglitas are considered in detail, as are the troops they led to triumph over enemies including the Ostrogoths, Vandals and Persians. Complemented by eight colour artwork plates that vividly depict the different elements of infantry and cavalry at the heart of Justinian’s conquests, this is an absorbing and lively account of the Byzantine Empire at war.

Raffaele D’Amato, PhD, is the author of some 40 books and numerous articles on the Roman Empire, Byzantium, medieval Europe and the military of Ancient Greece. He has taught at the University of Ferrara, and was a visiting professor at Fatih University, Istanbul. He currently lives in England, working as an archaeological consultant and lawyer for Timeline Auctions Ltd of Harwich, and also as an external researcher for the Laboratory of the Danubian Provinces at the University of Ferrara.