We hope you enjoy the latest episode in our Belisarius series! This one tells the story of the Roman Empire's reconquest of Rome in 536, and the epic siege that followed. Here's the link for the amazing special offer from Private Internet Access: www.privateinternetaccess.com/epichistorytv Thanks also to Legendarian for Total War: Attila gameplay footage, and to series consultant Prof. David Parnell. Don't forget you can get ad-free early access to all our videos by supporting the channel on Patreon from as little as $1 per video: www.patreon.com/EpicHistoryTV

“It is easier to find men who will volunteer to die, than to find those who are willing to endure pain with patience.” - Julius Caesar. He would be so proud of Belisarius.

“But it is not my custom to choose the short course over the best course” -Belisarius, while under siege in Rome “The first virtue in a soldier is endurance of fatigue; courage is only the second virtue” - Napoleon

It's interesting to imagine what Belisarius could've done with a large army.

Most defenders in a siege: I'm in danger Belisarius: *You're in danger*

The iron channel strikes again. From humble beginnings exploring castles as a young lad, to a promising career in the history channel, toby groom strikes for his next episode on the path to glory 💪🤴👍🤝

Oh, Belisarius! A general so great, so crafty, so feared, that he nearly stopped the course of history itself! He fought the future and nearly undid the mistakes of so many that led to the fall of the West. One man CAN summon the future. Or nearly so. But for the Plague, would have there been a Visigothic (or Frankish) king brought to kiss Justinian's feet? More battles won in Hispania, or Gaul, and another province returned to the Empire? But for the flea! Wonderful episode, Toby!

Ah the Empire strikes back! Excellently done episode as ever. Although I was surprised that you didn't mention Belisarius's coup de grace at the end of the siege. Basically what happened is that when Ostrogothic army was retreating across the Milvian bridge, Belisarius saw an excellent opportunity to destroy much of it. He waited for half of the enemy army to cross the bridge and then launched a swift attack with his cavalry against the half that was still waiting to cross. The result: absolute carnage of the Ostrogoths. At that bridge where Constantine the Great won one of the most important victories in history and established Christianity as the Empire's religion, now much of that half Ostrogothic army was wiped out. Thus any remaining hope for Vitiges that he could mount a successful resistance up north was gone. Truly, a masterful move, as is to be expected from Belisarius.

In the excellent book "Count Belisarius" the author wrote in very great detail the many incidents regarding the siege of Rome. He writes about how Belisarius's Moorish soldiers who he hired from North Africa would conduct hunts at night to kill Goths that wandered off from their camps. Hiding near latrines or ditches and surprising small groups of Goths. The Goths became so terrified of the Moors that they didnt dare wander off from their camps at night. The book also details a few individual incidents during the many cavalry raids that Belisarius conducted against the Gothic siege lines. A few excerpts; ".....Belisarius conducts a brief skirmish at one of the gates, his Houshold Regiment was heavily engaged and on their return that evening, two of the cuirassiers presented an extraordinary sight. One of them, Arzes, a Persian formerly belonging to the Immortals, came riding back with an arrow sunk to his face close to the nose; and another, a Thracian named Cutilas, came back with a javeline sticking in his head and waving about like a plume. Neither of them paid the least bit attention to these wounds but had continued to fight indefatigably, to the horror and alarm of the Goths who cried "these are not men but demons". The javeline was afterwards removed from Cutilas's head by a surgeon but the wound grew inflamed and he died two days later. Arzes however was examined by the same surgeon who pressed the back of his neck and asked; "does this pressure hurt"? Yes, replied Arzes. Then the surgeon opened the skin at the back of his neck, found the point and began to draw the arrow through, barb and all. Arzes fainted from the pain but his blood was healthy, the wound healed up without any suppuration. He led the next sally and survived the war." on another occasion "upon receiving 1,600 reinforcemets Belisarius did not wish the new arrivals to feel cooped up in the city like prisoners. He staged a demonstration for their benefit. He sent out in broad daylight from the Salarian Gate 200 of his Houshold cuirassiers under an Illyrian named Trajan, a troop commander and a wonderfully cool fellow. These men galloped to a little hill near the walls and formed a ring. Out rushed the indignant Goths from the nearest camp. Snatching up weapons and horses in eagerness to attack them. In short time Trajan's men had shot 4,000 arrows into their disorderly column and killed or wounded 800 horsemen. As soon as the Gothic infantry got near, Trajans men galloped off shooting from the saddle. They accounted for 200 more Goths before they returned without a single casualty. The Goth horsemen were only armed with lance and sword and their archers wore no armor and would go nowhere without the protection of mail clad spearmen which were very slow of foot. Its no wonder Trajans men had it all their way. The following days more of these raids were conducted. In these skirmishes the Goths lost 4,000 men yet the Goth king Wittich did not draw the conclusion as to their inferior equipment believing the Romans success was merely due to daring. He ordered 500 of his own Royal Lancers to make a similar demonstration on a hill near the Asinarian Gate. In response, Belisarius sent out a thousand Thracian cavalry under Bessas. The Goths were shot to pieces hardly a hundred escaped back to their camp." "On another occassion, Trajan, the troop commander whos exploits i have already mentioned, was pierced close above the right eye and above the nose by a long barbed head of an arrow. The shaft had been insecurely fastened to it and fell off at the moment of impact. Trajan continued fighting. For days and months after his comrades expected him to drop dead at any moment. But he lived on and suffered no pain or inconvenience, though the barbed head remained imbedded in his flesh. Five years later it began to slowly emerge again. Twelve years more and he was able to pluck it out like a thorn".

I was thinking that the siege of Rome deserved a movie, but you actually did it🙂

"Because of him, the city of Romulus and the Caesers, once more belongs to the Roman empire." Gave me chills. Imagine what this must have meant to them.

*Belisarius is a much better general than me. If I told my troops to guard a bridge and they RAN, forcing me to fight a delaying action BY MYSELF, and then, to top it all off, when I pull back and try to enter the city, THEY KEEP THE GATE CLOSED. "Oh boy". Heads would roll buddy. Belisarius is one cool customer.*

If only events like the Plague or war with the Persians didn't happen at this time Belisarius might have been able to restore all of the Western Roman provinces not just Africa,Illyria and Italy. Regardless he is no doubt one of the greatest military generals of late antiquity.

Belisarius is such a legend, i doubt many other generals would have been able to achieve what he did

I have always wondered what goes inside the mind of someone with so many great military strategies, the way they think, the ability of having so many plans from A to Z and beyond is just extraordinary

Poor belisarius, he was a loyal general but was suspected of disloyalty for taking Italy back

Belusarius makes me tear up how can you be so amazing!

What an episode in History After so long Romans finally take their ancestral Home back and defend it with everything they can. We can only imagine how it must have felt for a roman soldier to retake and defend that sacred place where everything started, the city of Caesar and Augustus. Belisarius deserves the highest honors history can grant someone. What an figure

Been looking forward to this all week!

Belisarius deserves a Historical HBO Show in the tradition of Game of Throne or Rome. He was a character of Truly Epic proportions.

One of the most underrated general of all time.

the fireceness of that calvary charge was devastating, it freaked out the Ostrogoths at the gates of Rome...and they panicked...Brilliant!

This man did incredible things as a general. I can't remember anyone else who had so many victories with so few soldiers and so many times with lack of all kind of products.

Belisarius is vastly underrated as a general.

Belisarius is such an awe-inspiring person. I cant believe i hadn't heard of him before!

Belisarius is certainly a man of supreme military acumen and worthy of mention among the greatest of its field such as Alexander, Hannibal and Caesar

Oooh, leaving us on a cliff hangar with none other than the immortal soul, Khosrow.

I was guided through Napoleon's reign by the sweet sweet tones of this narrator's voice. It lives rent free in my head.

"after 60 years of barbarian occupation, Rome belongs again to the Romans" holy shit that made me shiver

Belisarius entire story is extremely fascinating he managed to defeat the Vandalic kingdoms the Persians, Conquered Rome and he's finial conquest against the Bulgars! Thank you Epic history for covering him

I must say it, I'm so appreciative that there are history channels such as yours that are so dedicated to history and its many details. You are among the greats such as Kings and Generals, History Marche, and Invicta

I really love this series, and I know you probably want to finish off with Napoleon, however I think it would be very cool if you'd make a Video of Ranking Napoleons most worthy and smartest military Enemies. Keep up the good work!

Would someone show this video to Ridley Scott so he'll make a movie about it? Belisarius deserves a major movie.

It's the 3rd or 4rth time I am watching these videos with Belisarius! Very well done... love em! The music, the narration, the pictures so good, everything is perfect! I know they are difficult to make but please more!

This summer i was on a boat cruising Lake Bolsena ( a stunning place on the border between modern Latium and Tuscany) and our guide pointed to a small ruined castle on a island in the middle of the lake, telling us that it was the place were a barbarian princess had been killed in the early middle ages. I thought that story was some kind of legend and instead it was the casus belli of the eastern Romans invasion. Truly fascinating.

Some of your best work, thank you!! My fav part might be around 13:43, the awesome music, writing and artwork really make the romans struggle to protect their old capital even more epic

The most epic narrator for the most epic history channel on youtube, another great video, thanks!

Listening to this channel always gives me a reminiscent feeling about the History Channel in it's earlier years until it fell apart due to its alien abduction obsession stories and other ridiculous stories of aliens.Love this channel.

Completely fascinated throughout these first three episodes, and left wanting more. Very well done, thank you.

Well done. I always tried to find a documentary video series about general Belisarius. I look forward to see the next parts.

Wow this is pure artistry. You guys are consistent when it comes to quality and I think I speak for everyone when I say it's truly amazing. Keep up the spectacular work!

Amazing video as always EHTV… I love the dynamics of Justinian and Belisarius. Honestly one of my favourite periods of history. Keep up the great work!!

I absolutely love the videos, keep it up! Some of these stories are so insane, it makes me thankful for those who document and present them.

I am fanboying over Belisarius immensely right now❤️😂👍👍 Thx🏆🥇

Great video! Seen lots of videos on Belisarius' videos and this has been the most comprehensive!

underrated and underappreciated roman general and history channel. Great job guys! I wish your channel will acquire much more success! cheers

You just can't go wrong with this channel. Literally every video is a classic already.

The first time I think Epic History Tv has posted 2 videos consecutively and both of great topics :- The Crusade and Restoration of Rome : Belisarius. Also can't wait for videos 2nd , 3rd and 4th Crusade to come... 😀 Great Masterpiece... 😎😎

I’ve been a huge fan of your work for the past two years. Your videos got me through the first lockdown.

Thats some good stuff. The quality of your videos is superb. Also including footage from Attila total war is genius

excellent production. The graphics are of good quality and tastefully presented. The music is well integrated. Research, writing and narration superb.

Thank you for making history fun and interesting! I cant help but wonder what we could've accomplished by now if we weren't so busy fighting eachother all the time. That being said, conquests across multiple continents like this are still an impressive display of determination and capability. To cover all that ground in a lifetime using ships, horses, wagons and boots is hard to imagine now, with or without all the battles!

Thanks for all your work, one of the best history channel on UKposts

Another amazing work. Super happy to see channels like this still going.

Damn, the way you made the animations is amaizing an the video is also very interesting to watch! Keep up the amaizing work!

It truly stuns me how, time after time, Belisarius was able to do so much with so little.

You guys do such amazing work the content you guys put out is on another level.im loving this series

Amazing video, the production quality is beyond belief!

I was waiting for this episode great job Epic History !

These videos are so epic! From storytelling to artwork! Love em!

The information , the production , the animation . I hope I can be even a fragment of your brilliance .

Belisarius was the last military genius that the world saw for many centuries. What a shame. Loved this video. You have a great series on your hands Epic History TV.

11:20 The art in these videos is alwasy so well done and historically accurate.

Background Music, narrating, graphics, all BEST OF THE BEST. Thank You!

Happy again to be of service! The mods I used were Age of Justinian 555 AD and Hazard's Reshade Preset

This series is just a out up there with the napoleon series. Great job on this, look forward to the next part sometime after christimas/ into the next year. Keep it up.!

The illustrations on these series are amazing.

Staying true to its name Epic History releases another great episode. Im curious as to what is the second most requested topic

The soundtrack, voice-work, and artwork are captivating.

Always super happy when I see a new video pop up from this channel their always so good

I love your channel so much. You’re one of my biggest inspirations! I hope I can have a quarter as good of a channel as yours! ⭐️

having the inscription on the pantheon naming marcus agrippa at 17:35 was a very nice touch

Epic History TV Thank you for al the effort and the amazing videos!

Absolutely incredible series. The artwork is fantastic. Love the depiction of Justinian though it's different from what I'm used to (in a good way). He looks like a proper Roman. And the characters standing in front of the Pantheon is so damn cool. Damn fine work Epic History!!

Excellent work to all who put this together. Bravo!👍

great video as always, they are so well-made

Enjoyed video, full of historical knowledgs thanks for sharing

Been looking forward to this series each month! New subscriber here

What a wonderful video! This has been a terrific series so far. ⚔️🐎🏹

This was so sick. Great video and presentation!

Great video as always, top notch quality.

you are one of the best youtubers i have watched in a while all your content is super high quality.

These videos are awesome! The narrator has an engaging voice that keeps my interest.

This was incredible, great work!

Amazing Can't wait for the next video , It would be amazing if you make a series about The Seven Years war and the Reing of Fredrik the great

Amazing series, when is part 4 coming out? is it possible to get it out quicker than this part.. waiting for every part longer than a week or two is like torture!!

The Narrator Makes Everything. The Music, pictures And Script Is Excellent Keep Up the work!.

Was on the edge of my seat watching this! Thank you

Really love this series ! Can't wait for the next episode ;)

best history channel on the internet, bar none. fantastic work as always

Thank you for this excellent episode

When aliens start attacking our planet, humanity will be lucky to have Belisarius, reincarnated to defend it...

Great part 3 is here! Thank you EHTV

Excellent information and so well presented.

Belisarius series is perfect. Thank you Epic History TV.

Obrigado como sempre!

Dr. Parnell is such a good professor and I have had the privilege to have him be my professor for several of my History major courses. Good work on this series it definitely helped me visualize this important time-period better!

Will there be one more video about Belisarius and his battle on Danube river and an end of his life? Don't forget about Narses another great Roman general! Thanks, great work indeed!

This was amazing. Thank you.

The Empire Strikes Back. This brings tears to my eyes. To see what could have been if more men like him existed.