Destiny Defined – “BELISARIUS DEFIANT”
Destiny Armory Defined archive entry
Basic Information
Released: Destiny: The Dark Below
Rarity: Legendary
Category: Other
Other SubCategory: Jumpship
Affiliations: Crucible
Additional / Expanded Information
List of Belisarius’ achievements and victories:
- Destroyed Nika riots
- Victory over Vandals in Libya
- Justinian’s Triumph in Constantinople
- Is given Consul’s trip reward and captured Sicily
- Invaded Italy and captured Naples and Rome
- Relieved Gothic siege and relieved Gothic kingship
- Recaptured Rome from Goths
- Became Commander of Imperial bodyguard
- Defended Constantinople against Bulgars
Definition Summary
Flavius Belisarius was a general of the Byzantine Empire. His commitment to Emperor Justinian was vital to the reconquering of the Mediterranean territory of the former Western Roman Empire, which had been previously lost to the Goths and Vandals.
Belisarius had great success in spite of Justinian’s on and off again support over his life. He is often remembered as The “Last of the Romans”. He assembled a cavalry which was his primary fighting force that combined the best and most dangerous aspects of both of Rome’s greatest enemies, the Huns and the Goths. His cavalry was armed with a broad sword, bow, lance and heavy armor. This gave his army the advantage of close and long range combat while also allowing quick maneuverability. He survived several combat situations that would otherwise seem hopeless, due to his innovative mind and quick thinking.
His will was unconquered and even won many battles when all hope was lost. His strategic mind and ability to lead small armies rivaled all. Hailed as a hero by his people and Justinian he was awarded the highest honor known as a “Triumph” and it was the last ever given by the Roman empire.
During the celebration Belisarius stood before the emperor along side the defeated Vandal Lord Gelimer in presentation to the masses. The Vandal king was overheard saying “Vanity of vanities, all is vanity”, which can be perceived as foreshadowing the fall of the once mighty empire.
Belisarius had only 7,500 men when he sailed out for the island of Sicily. He readied his fleet secretly while Justinian sowed discord amongst his enemies. Justinian often ruled mightiest within the political groups, manipulating them and leaving them venerable to the fierce attacks of his loyal general.
His secret life has been written about by historians. According to these historians Belisarius’ wife Antonina cheated on him with their adopted son, the young Theodosius. It is claimed the love affair was well known within the imperial court. This lead to the belief that Belisarius was weak and his views were biased. These ideas were often created by the secretary Procopius during a now believed “drummed up” corruption trial. Procopius had a longstanding hatred of Belisarius and Antonina, that was most likely the reason for his fabricated hearing.
A legendary story gained popularity during the Middle Ages. This tale states that Justinian ordered Belisarius’ eyes to be put out, and this reduced him to the status of homeless beggar near the Pincian Gate of Rome. It goes on to say he was condemned to ask passers-by to “give an obolus” aka “give an halfpenny”, to Belisarius before pardoning him. Most modern scholars believe the story to be doubtful, but there are debates and arguments for the legend’s authenticity.
Fittingly, Belisarius and Justinian, died within a few months of each other in 565. Belisarius owned the estate of Rufinianae on the Asiatic side of the Constantinople suburbs. No one knows for certain , but he may have died there and been buried near one of the two churches in that area.
