The siege of Rome of 537–538 AD was the city's first siege during the Gothic War (535–554) between the defending Byzantine Empire's forces under the leadership of Belisarius against a numerically superior Ostrogothic (Goths) force under Vitigis. 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.
Goths lay siege to Rome
The siege of Rome of 537–538 AD was the city's first siege during the Gothic War (535–554) between the defending Byzantine Empire's forces under the leadership of Belisarius against a numerically...
Historical Significance
The siege of Rome of 537–538 AD was the city's first siege during the Gothic War (535–554) between the defending Byzantine Empire's forces under the leadership of Belisarius against a numerically superior Ostrogothic (Goths) force under Vitigis.
Events Before
John II's reign as Catholic Pope ends, upon his death
Pope Agapetus I (489/490 – 22 April 536) was the bishop of Rome from 13 May 535 to his death on 22 April 536.
St Agapitus I begins his reign as Catholic Pope
St Agapitus I begins his reign as Catholic Pope
Byzantine general Belisarius enters Rome while the Ostrogothic garrison peacefully leaves the city, returning the old ca
Byzantine general Belisarius enters Rome while the Ostrogothic garrison peacefully leaves the city, returning the old capital to its empire
St. Agapetus I ends his reign as Catholic Pope
Pope Agapetus I (489/490 – 22 April 536) was the bishop of Rome from 13 May 535 to his death on 22 April 536.
St Silverius begins his reign as Catholic Pope
St Silverius begins his reign as Catholic Pope
Events After
Witiges, King of the Ostrogoths, ends his siege of Rome and retreats to Ravenna, leaving the city in the hands of the vi
Witiges, King of the Ostrogoths, ends his siege of Rome and retreats to Ravenna, leaving the city in the hands of the victorious Byzantine general Belisarius
BC Army of Cyrus the Great of Persia takes Babylon
The fall of Babylon occurred in 539 BCE, when the Persian Empire conquered the Neo-Babylonian Empire.
BC King Cyrus "the Great" of Persia marches into Babylon, freeing Jewish captives and allowing them to return home
The Cyrus Cylinder is an ancient clay cylinder, now broken into several pieces, on which is written an Achaemenid royal inscription in Akkadian cuneiform script in the name of the Persian king Cyrus...
Ostrogoths of King Totila conquer Rome by bribing the Byzantine garrison during the Gothic War
Ostrogoths of King Totila conquer Rome by bribing the Byzantine garrison during the Gothic War
More from the 530s
Nika riots begin in Constantinople, a revolt against Byzantine Emperor Justinian I that leaves half the city burned and
Nika riots begin in Constantinople, a revolt against Byzantine Emperor Justinian I that leaves half the city burned and thousands dead. The riots are sparked by a botched execution of chariot racing supporters and end only after Empress Theodora refuses to flee, forcing her husband to act decisively
Nika uprising against Emperor Justinian I in Constantinople fails; 30,000 are killed by troops loyal to the emperor in t
Nika uprising against Emperor Justinian I in Constantinople fails; 30,000 are killed by troops loyal to the emperor in the Hippodrome
Witiges, King of the Ostrogoths, ends his siege of Rome and retreats to Ravenna, leaving the city in the hands of the vi
Witiges, King of the Ostrogoths, ends his siege of Rome and retreats to Ravenna, leaving the city in the hands of the victorious Byzantine general Belisarius
BC Army of Cyrus the Great of Persia takes Babylon
The fall of Babylon occurred in 539 BCE, when the Persian Empire conquered the Neo-Babylonian Empire.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What happened on March 11, 537?
- The siege of Rome of 537–538 AD was the city's first siege during the Gothic War (535–554) between the defending Byzantine Empire's forces under the leadership of Belisarius against a numerically superior Ostrogothic (Goths) force under Vitigis. 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.
- Why is Goths lay siege to Rome significant?
- The siege of Rome of 537–538 AD was the city's first siege during the Gothic War (535–554) between the defending Byzantine Empire's forces under the leadership of Belisarius against a numerically superior Ostrogothic (Goths) force under Vitigis.