Trying Times

Abstract In 540, Belisarius and Antonina were at the apex of their power and prestige. Belisarius had defeated Vandals and Ostrogoths, brought both their kings as prisoners to Constantinople, and been richly rewarded. But in 540, while Belisarius was still in Italy, the Persian King Khusro I (r. 531–579) invaded the Roman East. So in 541, Belisarius set off on a campaign of retaliation against the Persians, which saw him capture one fortress. Antonina meanwhile helped to disgrace the Praetorian Prefect John the Cappadocian. Then Belisarius and Antonina argued over their children, Theodosios and Photios. The plague emerged shortly thereafter, killing thousands and nearly killing the Emperor Justinian (r. 527–565). This sequence of events led to the recall and temporary disgrace of Belisarius.