Belisarius: The Last Battle (6/6) 

I hope you enjoy the epic finale to our Belisarius series! Thanks to our video sponsor Displate - get exclusive discounts on metal posters, including original EHTV artwork, with this link: displate.com/epichistorytv?art=624c8d2724210. Thank you also to Legendarian for the Total War gameplay footage, Miłek Jakubiec for the brilliant artwork across the series, and Professor David Parnell (@ByzantineProf) for the expert guidance. If you want to find out (and vote on) what we're making next, and get to see it early and ad-free, head over to www.patreon.com/EpicHistoryTV

Hats off to Belisarius, truly worthy of being the Last Roman.

The message that Belisarius wrote to Totila, having the effect of sparing the eternal city of Rome from destruction was truly chilling. The Epic narration of Charles Nove and the music makes it even more extraordinary.

Belisarius served Justinian more loyally than any other man in his court and gave him glory, fame and power by delivering rome, north Africa and saving the empire from its eastern enemies. Two times life offered Flavius Belisarius a crown and two times he had refused it in favour of his loyalty to Justinian. Yet in war he was a king in his own right. He was truly the last epitome of what the Roman generals of old should have been.

Belisarius didn't always win, but he won where it counted more often than not. What an incredible legacy

I was almost quite literally on the edge of my seat practically cheering out loud at the last great hurrah of Belisarius; what an incredible well done retelling of his life. Truly, hats off to all involved.

All, hail Belasarius, the Roman General who defeated all he faced, yet defeated by fate and greed of others.

8:50 This dude used scouts so professionally that they knew the dimensions of the two towers and he build a taller one to dumb a whole boat burning on them, WHAT A CHAD. And he destroyed an army with a few hundreds veterans and peasant volunteers.

300 years prior rome was able to lead 80k army against dacians while holding to the whole mediterranean and then the mighty belisarius was left with just several thousands

Belissarius would have pulled it off in Italy, despite Justinian's lack of support, despite the worthy Totila, despite the storms and other misfortunes. But the 3 stooges John, Isaac, and Bessas were just too much even for the brilliant commander to overcome. Great video once more. The illustrations are fantastic.

A King without a Crown, A General without equals in his time, A Man with Honour - Flavius Belisarius - Indeed a Man worthy of being the Last Roman

Amazing series, I loved it all and I felt so hyped knowing Belisarius geared up one final time in his 60's and scored a final victory. Truly a legend, thanks so much for telling his story so beautifully!

Was an absolute privilege and honor to contribute to this project. I look forward to seeing what other series you guys have in store. Cheers! Mod is 555 Age of Justinian for Total War: Attila

Belisarius, the best and loyal general one could ask for.

Belisarius is one of the most disrespected generals of all time. He was disrespected time and time again, although he saved Justinian's arse time after time. He wins all of those battles in Rome and Italy, and then the Eunuch gets the glory. Ridiculous

It's kind of mind-blowing to compare the sizes of the armies of Belisarius compared with the armies of the second Punic wars.

The part where Totila spares the city could be because he has honor, or it could be that he didn't want to go down in history as a tyrant. Whatever the case, this is awesome and so is the history of Rome and it's opponents

How many times in Roman history did a general as brilliant and accomplished as Belisarius (or even far less so) *NOT* immediately try to overthrow the Emperor? In some ways, his loyalty is more impressive than his feats at Dara, Ad Decium, and Rome.

Fantastic finale. Amazing to think that without him the monuments of Rome may have been completely destroyed, Such a same he was given such a shoestring budget for all his campaigns, no more so than this one. How on earth did the secret history languish in the Vatican for a millennia without anyone noticing?

Whether "The Secret History" is truthful or not you certainly can't deny Belisarius' loyalty despite going through accusations and having opportunities to go against Justinian for his own glory. Yeah, it was fruitless to regain the Western Empire because leading up to its fall in 476 it had been beyond its glory days and ability to function, but it made for a great story of accomplishment. Also, John was a pain in the ass.

Props to Totila for going back on the idea of leveling Rome to the ground. When it comes to history like this it should be everyone's duty to preserve the greatness of everyone's past so that the future can relive it and learn from it. No matter what your conflict, prejudice or emotions are, the greatness of the past is beyond you and your petty squabbles and should be respected. It's one on the reasons why I believe the sack of Constaninople is one of the most tragic and unforgivable events that has ever happened.

No Tribute is greater than to be still remembered and praised after 1500 years of your death, Rest In Eternal Peace, Flavius Belisarius

It must be so cool working on a channel where everybody's really bringing their A game. The narration, artwork, music, script...everything is well done.

Belisarius’s back must look like a crater because he literally carried this ungrateful by himself. Caesar, Aurelian, Tragin ,Hadrian ect. would’ve been proud of this man’s accomplishments and definitely deserved the total of “The Last Roman”. This man is a legend.

28:47 When Belisarius' epic theme music plays for the last time in the series. Chills!

Even in death Justinian's problems did not end there,with his tomb desecrated by the chaos known as the Fourth Crusade. It's been said when the Crusaders opened his tomb they found his body intact and unscaved by decay,regardless that didn't stop them from plundering it of it's riches,chopping it into pieces,and throwing his remains into the Bosphorus. And most people to this day credit Flavius Aetius as" The last of the Romans" despite never achieving the same level of military success as either Justinian or Belisarius.

I had known of the greatness of Belisarius, but he now commands my eternal respect, gratitude, and favor for saving Rome from Totila. Goosebumps from words written centuries ago.

The greatest series on this channel. I' ve also watched most of the other series but every month i've been waiting impatiently for the next episode. Although i know the history of Belisarius and his wars, these narrations and graphics make it easier and more complete for me. Thank you Epic History! Now next for me would be a history of the warrior emperors of ERE: Nikephoros Phokas, Tzimiskes, and Basil dhe Second. They took ERE again to great lengths and they were also great generals. Its my wish and i hope you can make that wish come true for me! Thank you once more!

I still say Justinian’s reign should be made into a tv show. I basically has everything.

everything about this series was utterly stellar, the narration, art, music, visuals, script, narrative, research, editing, everything was movie quality, Godbless the epic history tv team

This series is utterly spectacular, Ive loved every second. Thankyou so much for this fantastic content EHTV!

The only RU-vid documentary of Justinian and Belisarius I've seen that comes close to the detailed coverage, length, and emotional power of this one is Extra Credits' one, and that was six years ago (and also Belisarius was a supporting character, albeit an important one). Well done once again Epic History, I look forward to seeing what you have in store for us the rest of the year.

This felt like a movie.... 👍 this has to be one the best series I have seen and it makes me sad that it ends.

Barbarians at the gates Belisarius: *sigh*here we go again.

Narses deserves lots of credit for his victorious campaign in Italy but it is a shame that Belisarius could not be given even half of the forces that later were given to Narses when he needed them, imagine what he could had once again achieved with that much needed support, if Belisarius had not been always an stalwart example of loyalty he surely would had followed the example of many subsequent generals like George Maniakes, Thomas the Slav and Alexios Branas who tried to usurp the throne, few people in history had been as fortunate as Justinian to have some of those immense capacities in their service.

You know Belasarius is a bad ass when he just sent a letter to the enemy and threatened him if he destroyed Rome monument he will show no mercy then the enemy comply with his request.

That letter to Totila was amazing

The “Last Roman” that Rome needed, but did not deserve. May the virtues of Belisarius be remembered for all mankind.

Flavius Belisarius was, when I was a child and still is one of my favorites figures of late antiquity. He was a great mixture of military skill, diplomacy and use of tricks tactics over raw might. I used to believe like most that the late roman army was lesser to his principate counterpart, now I understand what you show in this series very well and the channel Invicta also show it in its series Avenging Varus. Rome yes was a great power but his enemies were anything but cavemen, they were also good tacticians, organisers and when it comes to the Sassanids a mortal enemy. So the army of Belisarius was a more complex, mobile and adaptable version because the arm race force them to be more of all. And if you lacked the know how, you would be for trouble. That is why generals like Belisarius and others before like Aetius and Constantine the great and after him like Maurice and Heraclius were so dominate. In a more complex game of war the skilled commanders are both necessary but also a great threat or a source of envy. All in all the series was excellent my second favorite of yours after the Napoleonic Wars.

Don't have a clue why I was so touched by this narration, maybe I secretly wished it ended differently, maybe I became attached to the characters and rooted for them, maybe because I know 1500 years later it was all in vain for Eastern Rome, the story telling was superb, Procopius and the narrator brought these people back to life I was literally on the edge of my seat...and I learned something new, didn't know Rome was about to be demolished nor did I know that it had been completely abandoned. Wild...

What a series that was. Really exited to watch and really looking forward to new ones

We owe to Belisarius the existence of the city of Rome itself. Long live The Last Roman!

An amazing story and beautifully dictated. Hopefully one day I can physically own (or download, to then put on disc) the stories of Belisarius, Napoleon, Russia & whatever history Epic History TV creates. The content will age well. And I am certian that hundreds of years from now, when historians study your work, it will be viewed with much favor.

Imagine what he could have done as a commander if he had proper financing, adequate supplies and troops for his campaigns. Loved the series!

If only Maurice was the succesor to Justinian.

This channel is so underrated, every one of these videos on belisarious is a masterpiece and I’m utterly grateful for all your labours.

Beautiful, just beautiful. He's my personal hero and a person that deserves the title of "Last of the Romans".

I'm left breathless and have no words to say. Amazing storytelling, spectacular in every sense. Glad I have come across this channel.

Many thanks to this channel, which introduced us to one of the greatest Roman generals and the details of his military and political life.

Jesus...what Agathias writes about Belisarius putting on his uniform once more sends chills down my spine Thank you Epic history and Mr. Parnell for giving tribute to a loyal and honorable man :)

oh my god😥 Belisarius story as a mighty general is truly inspiring and encouraging. Both Belisarius and Marcus Aurelius are the truest Roman in history, both legendary in deed and stature that no one can ever match in the Roman world. Truly wonderful! thank you EPIC HISTORY TV for showing his story. Truly, FORTUNE FAVORS THE BOLD!

One of my all-time favorite generals. Skilful, a charismatic leader, and above all, a loyal and a good man.

An incredible finale and series! Thank you for bringing history like this to life!

It is absolutely brilliant that Epic History TV showed the passage of time. Belisarius' beard and tired expression, Justinian's elderly look -- astonishing.

I have watched this series 3 times already. its sooo good. i cant get enough. thank you Epic History!

Thank you to all who worked on this series!

Thanks to Belisarius i was able to visit Rome and see all of the monuments that were spared destruction. The pen can truly be mightier than the sword! If only more people understood and valued his contributions to history!

This is so well done ! Love your artwork

I am proud as a Greek Thracian to hail from a city (Stenimachos) near Beisarius´ birthplace. He was a Thracian like me and he fought for the glory of the Empire and the Christian faith against innumerous barbarians.

A stellar human being who did the best with the meager forces and lack of complete command. His generalship is among the best in the western world. I’m sure it was a horrible time to be emperor too. Constant wars on major fronts which never go away requiring heavy taxes. The plague affecting more settled populations than wandering tribes and reducing number of available soldiers. Italy must have been ripe for the picking after all this but not of any great treasure, food, or population. Just control of a barren wasteland. Thank you for your work on the little known but truly great general.

This series has been insanely Entertaining to watch brilliant production as always

Unbelievable series. Great job as always EHTV! Can't wait for the video on the 1848 revolutions. Wish that would be a series as well, as there's so much to be covered.

Gotta say for a documentary It feels more like a novel and a story of loyalty, treason, pride, and victory It definitely deserves a subscription

Thanks for doing this series! Ever since I first learned about Belisarious about 8 years ago he’s been cemented as my favorite general from history. It was great to see his story in a well made documentary.

There was never a more Roman response than to see a tall tower on the river, and respond by building an even taller mobile floating tower to counter it.

There is no other channel like EHTV. Hands down the best channel to watch and learn history. I have watched every single video EHTV has released and i can't wait to watch more.

Amazing finale for this incredible series! Thanks for showing how extraordinary he was at the art of war

Thank you so much for making social studies seem hella cool. I dont know who else could make such good doctumentaries

My salute to the great Roman general Belisarius , whose name is still remembered after 1500 years.

2,500 men, 900 men, 3,000 men---whoa, the Dark Ages sure did a once over for the number of troops eh. During the peak of Rome we're talking about hundreds of thousands of soldiers on both sides.

Ironically, the reason Roman culture and influence disappeared in the Italian peninsula is because Justinian destroyed the Goths. Goths lived so long with Romans side by side, they basically became Romans at that point (or the next best thing). After they were chased from Italy and Eastern Rome eventually pulled back, no one left to keep the culture and traditions alive. Lombards swooped in and Italy turned into something else.

What an exhilataring finale. I could barely contain my emotions seeing the old Belisarius, going into battle one last time to save the empire, surrounded by just a rag tag band of civilians and a few hundred aging veterans. You have, once more, showed mastery in your craft. Bravo.

This series is one of the best things I've seen on RU-vid. Thank you I didn't know about Belisarius and this time.

Great video! Byzantine rule in Italy, unfortunately for Constantinople, did not last long. Byzantine rule was only long lasting in Southern Italy (Mezzogiorno), more precisely in Sicily, Calabria, Basilicata and Puglia. The Exarchate of Ravenna (Εξαρχάτο της Ραβέννας), which was created in 584 by emperor Maurice (582-602), was unable to protect the Byzantine possessions in Italy for long. By the end of the 6th century AD, Italian unity under Constantinople's control, in MY historical analysis, no longer existed. During the reign of Justin II (565-578), who was Justinian's successor, the Lombards invaded Northern Italy for the first time. In 569, the Lombards conquered Mediolanum (Milan). In 572, Pavia, which became the capital of the Lombard Kingdom, was also captured. Florentia (Florence) itself, lastly, was captured in 570. The Exarchs Decius/Δέκιος (584-585), Smaragdus/Σμαράγδος (585-589), Romamus/Ρωμανός (589-596), and Callinicus/Καλλίνικος (596-603), who were the first four Exarchs of Ravenna, could not stop the overwhelming Lombard expansion. By the end of the 6th century, the Exarchate of Ravenna only controlled Sicily (Σικελία), which had been under Byzantine control since the invasion carried out by Belisarius in 535; Calabria (Καλαβρία), which was also seized by Belisarius' troops; Basilicata (Lucania), Puglia (Απουλία), more precisely the current provinces of Lecce, Taranto, Bari and Brindisi; Lazio (Latium), which was part of the Byzantine Duchy of Rome (Rome had been under Byzantine control since 537, when Belisarius' troops captured the city); Umbria (including Perugia), parts of Marche (including Ancona and Pesaro), Liguria (at least until 640), and, lastly, a tiny part of present-day Emilia-Romagna; where Ravenna served as the capital of the Imperial Exarchate. The regions of Piedmont, Lombardy (including Pavia and Milan), Veneto, Tuscany (including Florence), and parts of Campania (including Naples), on the other hand, were captured by the Lombards. Liguria, for example, was completely lost in 640. Campania and Naples, meanwhile, were seized by the Lombard Duchy of Benevento. In 840, during the rule of Duke Sergius I, the Duchy of Naples became definitely independent from Constantinople. In fact, Naples had been under papal suzerainty since 753; when Duke Stephen II switched his alliance from Constantinople to Rome. In 740, the Exarchate of Ravenna only controlled Rimini, Ravenna, Perugia and the so-called Pentapolis; which included the cities of Fano, Rimini (its capital), Pesaro, Ancona and Sinigaglia. The Exarchate eventually fell in 751, when the last Exarch, Eutychius (Ευτύχιος), was deposed by the Lombards. In 756, Pope Stephen II claimed the Exarchate. Pepin the Short, king of the Franks, donated the lands of the former Exarchate to the Papacy in 756; laying the foundation of the Papal States. After the dissolution of the Exarchate of Ravenna, only Southern Italy came under Byzantine control (which would soon be threatened by the Arabs). The Byzantine Theme (province) of Sicily (Θήμα Σικελίας), which also included Calabria, was invaded by the Arabs in 827. Syracuse itself, the capital of the province, was seized in 878. Palermo, which became the capital of the Muslim Emirate of Sicily, was conquered in 831. The Catepanate of Italy (Κατεπανίκιον Ιταλίας), which included all of Calabria, Basilicata and Puglia, was conquered by the Normans in 1071. The Catepanate of Italy (965-1071), whose capital was Bari, was the last Byzantine territory in Italy. After Bari was captured by the Normans in April 1071, Byzantine authority in Italy definitely ended; five centuries after the campaigns carried out by Justinian and Belisarius. In my historical analysis, the Byzantines lost Italy as fast as they conquered it.

Thank you so much for this AMAZING series! I believe Napoleon's and this one must be the best ones you've made! I also want to point out that I was a victim of the 18th century's story of the beggar Belisarius, it's good to know that it might not be true at all, as it made no sense! Keep up the good work! :D

Many thanks for tbis series, from a sicilian, knowing our island was freed by this legend, is an honor. I never knew of the letter Belisario sent to Totilla, what a wise man, Rome could have looked very different was it not for his love, respect and most of all foresight, May God Bless his souls and give him eternal rest.

This is, without a doubt, the best ever historical series I have ever seen in my life. The music and the narration are mind-boggling. Thank you so much!

It has been a great series. Thank you for your hard work Epic History TV.

Amazing story telling, visuals and sound effects as usual! Thank you for such quality content. Cannot wait for future past stories that has shappen our world.

Brilliant video! As much as this is Belisarius' series I think Narses often gets characterised as a villain despite being just as loyal and capable as Belisarius. Of the men that came after him, I can think of two that were dubbed a 'Belisarius' John Kourkouas and Alexios Philanthropenos. It just goes to show how respected he was.

I wish belisarius had loyal and competent captains and lieutenants. I bet he wished the same thing

I could have read on Wikipedia how it all ended, but I waited for this video to find out. It was worth the wait!

I've got to say, thank you for this series. It's been eye opening and incredibly good work. So thank you.

Yo this is the coolest cinematic stuff I've seen! Bravo Epic History TV!👌

Amazing! Was just rewatching the series in wait for this episode. And the upload was so unexpected. Great work as always, keep it up!

What a series... Belisarius, the unsung, brilliant general. There should be a movie about him!

belasarius the one last and true man standing against all odds. a definition of a great man and a great general .

Fantastic series on a general I knew basically nothing about. Astounding that most of the obstacles he had to overcome were not from the enemy but rather the envy and selfish ambition of his peers.

Maybe it is because I´m just tired after a long week, but this video literaly brought me to tears. Great job guys!

The time and effort going into each of these videos is not going unseen! Absolutely amazing content keep it up. 👍

Greatest Roman general ever. More series like this please. You did epic job

Fantastic series. The passion for the history and individual human stories here is self evident, really adds that extra flare to the narration and presentation. I would be very keen to see an Epic History series on the early Arab or Seljuk conquests in the future, as I know very little about them.

An amazing series! Thanks for your hard work EHTV!

This story being lost to father time would have been terrible. I'm so glad that it was preserve. For sure history of the wars will go on the book shelf.

I have very hard to concentrate and follow series of history on the RU-vid channel but this channel, with your epic voice, music and all the special effects it feels like you are in the history!! For me this channel is the best thing of history, I followed the napoleons series twice!! And still listen to it and now this! Great job again!

This is my favorite history series I've ever seen, you have really done justice to a man who otherwise doesn't get his fair dues in history. What incredible achievements he had, thank you for these fantastic videos.

I've been waiting with bated breath for this! Needless to say, I was not disappointed. Bravo EHTV 👏🏼.

There is a fantastic exhibition of Jacques-Louis David’s original drafts at the MET Museum in Manhattan, including the painting of Belisarius in the video.

Such a magnificent series. Hate to see it end... but I’m truly humbled and privileged to have seen all the episodes. Thank you so much!

What an incredible and astonishing work and narrator voice just brings characters in real form .. Kudos to the whole team of Epic history to who made us familiar to the forgotten legend and the gratest general of his time!