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Totila

Type Figure Region Italy Time c. 516–552 Also known as Totila、Baduila、巴杜伊拉

Last great king of the Ostrogoths (541–552), born Baduila; he led a fierce counterattack in the Gothic War against Belisarius and Narses, twice takin…

Timeline

  1. c. 540–541northern Italy · Po ValleyHe rose to prominence during the Gothic War; before 541, during the successive kingships and assassinations of Ildebad and Eraric, he was already a leading general, winning soldiers' devotion through military skill and subsequently being chosen Ostrogothic king.
  2. 541–552Italy · Italian PeninsulaProclaimed king in 541, he quickly reorganized the army, defeated the Byzantines at the Battle of Faventia in 542, and over the following years regained control of most of Italy. He took Rome in 546 (then withdrew voluntarily) and again in 549. Winning popular support by freeing slaves and treating civilians well, he also built a navy extending the war to Sicily and Dalmatia. In 552 Narses invaded with a large Byzantine army; Totila was defeated at the Battle of Busta Gallorum (near Gualdo Tadino) and died of his wounds the same day.

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