Aligern

Aligern (fl. 553) was a Gothic military leader during the Gothic War (535–554) in Italy. He served under Teia, the last king of the Ostrogoths.

Aligern is primarily known for his participation in the Battle of Mons Lactarius (Mount Vesuvius) in 553, a decisive engagement that effectively ended Ostrogothic resistance to the Byzantine Empire. Following the death of Teia in the battle, Aligern briefly assumed leadership of the remaining Ostrogothic forces. Realizing the hopelessness of their situation, he surrendered to the Byzantine general Narses, marking the final collapse of the Ostrogothic kingdom in Italy. Historical accounts do not provide further details regarding Aligern’s fate after his surrender.