Battle of Taginae
Busta Gallorum, near Gualdo Tadino, Umbria, Italy
What happened
A Byzantine army under the general Narses fought the Ostrogoths under their king, Totila. The Byzantine Empire was trying to win Italy back from the Ostrogoths. Narses placed his army in a strong position, with foot soldiers in the centre and archers on both sides. When Totila's cavalry charged the centre, the archers' fire stopped the charge, the Gothic army fled, and Totila was mortally wounded.
Why it matters
Why it matters: It broke the Gothic army and opened the way for the Byzantine reconquest of Italy. The Ostrogothic Kingdom soon came to an end.
What came next
Narses entered Rome later in 552 and defeated the last Gothic king at Mons Lactarius. He then governed Italy for about twelve years.
Did you know?
Narses was a palace official and court chamberlain before he became one of the most successful generals of his time.
Timeline
- 535The Gothic War for Italy begins.
- July 552Narses wins at Taginae.
- July 552Narses enters Rome.