Flavius Belisarius was a Byzantine general who lived during the 6th century AD. He is often considered one of the greatest generals of the Byzantine Empire. Belisarius is known as one of the “Last Romans” – one of the last individuals to embody the virtues of the Roman Empire.
Flavius played a key role in Emperor Justinian's plans to reconquer the Mediterranean territories previously controlled by the Western Roman Empire, leading imperial armies against the Sasanian (Persian) Empire, the Vandal kingdom of North Africa, the Ostrogothic regime of Italy, and the barbarian tribes invading Constantinople.
Initially a member of Justinian's guard, Flavius came to the emperor's attention at an early age and was appointed his first commander at the age of 25. Not much is known about Belisarius' personal life, but there were two main motivations that guided his actions; loyalty to the emperor and love for his wife, Antonina. Despite the inconsistent treatment he received from Justinian, Belisarius' loyalty never wavered and his loyalty has gone down in history as one of the noblest elements of Justinian's reign.