The Gothic War, a pivotal moment in the decline of the Western Roman Empire, unfolded as a brutal conflict between the forces of the Eastern Roman Empire, led by Emperor Justinian I, and the Ostrogothic Kingdom of Italy, ruled by King Totila. The war, spanning from 535 to 554 CE, ravaged the Italian Peninsula, causing widespread destruction and loss of life. Despite initial Gothic victories, the Eastern Roman general Belisarius managed to recapture much of Italy, including Rome. However, Totila's resurgence led to the recapture of Rome in 546 CE, marking a significant setback for the Eastern Roman Empire. The war concluded with the eventual defeat of the Ostrogoths and the establishment of Byzantine rule over Italy, signaling the end of the Gothic Kingdom and a further decline of Roman power in the West.
