The Study Of The Ostrogothic Kingdom's King Totila's Military Strategy In The 6th Century

To restore the glory days of the Roman Empire, Justinian I had launched a series of wars. Especially the second one which broke out after the Vandalic War had cracked down the dominance of the Ostrogoths in Italy badly. Due to the outbreak of Gothic war in 535 and the new king's inaction,the Ostrogoths had to re-select their leader after the King Vittigis was captured. And then, Totila, the general of the Ostrogoths was selected as King.During his reign, he led his army against the Byzantine army.Depending on the siege,sustaining war by means of war,dismantle the defense works of a city,and other military strategy,the Ostrogoths repeatedly beat the Byzantine army which stationed in Italy,and almost recovered the Apennines Peninsula. But in the midst of the battle, Totila's army focused on strengthen the attack so much that they forgot to build the fortifications, and besides they pursued the decisive battle against the Byzantine army blindly. As the consequence, the Ostrogoths suffered defeat at the battle of Taginae.Merely the powerful Byzantine Empire also gradually toward the edge of collapse. Totila's military strategy had an important influence on the course of the Gothic War. During Gothic War, Totila's military strategy made the war last longer, increased the destructive of a city, and made the Senate's position declined again, and at the same time it also made the defense system of Italy vulnerability so that the Lombards could invaded Italy easily. Because of the constantly military strike, the Ostrogoths disappeared in the Mediterranean world in the middle of the 6th century. So it will be helpful for us to have a good understanding of Totila's historic position and the Gothic War by studying Totila's military strategy.