Narces

Narses was a prominent Byzantine general who served under Emperor Justinian I. Born in Armenia around 480 CE, he rose through the ranks to become a powerful military leader and grand chamberlain. His most significant accomplishment was the conquest of the Ostrogothic kingdom in Italy for the Byzantine Empire.1

Despite being a eunuch, Narses played a crucial role in saving Justinian's throne during riots in Constantinople in 532 CE through military action and political maneuvering. He was later sent to Italy to aid in its reconquest, though his initial involvement was marked by rivalry with another general, Belisarius.1

In 551 CE, Narses led operations against barbarian raiders in the Balkans. He then returned to Italy to confront the Ostrogoths under King Totila. In June 552 CE, Narses decisively defeated the Ostrogoths at the Battle of Taginae, where Totila was killed. He subsequently suppressed remaining Ostrogothic resistance and thwarted Frankish and Alemanni incursions into northern Italy. The Battle of Mons Lactarius in 553 CE, where Narses defeated the last Ostrogothic king, Teias, effectively ended the Ostrogothic threat and restored imperial control to Italy.12

After Justinian I's death, Narses was removed from command by the new emperor, Justin II, and retired. Rumors circulated that he invited the Lombards into Italy in retaliation, but these remain unconfirmed.1