Battle of Sena Gallica (551)

The Battle of Sena Gallica, fought in 551 AD, was a decisive naval engagement during the Gothic War (535-554) between the Byzantine Empire, under Emperor Justinian I, and the Ostrogoths who controlled much of Italy. The battle took place near the Adriatic city of Sena Gallica (modern-day Senigallia, Italy).

The Byzantine fleet, commanded by the eunuch admiral Liberius, confronted a Gothic fleet attempting to resupply their besieged garrison at Ancona. The Goths, under various commanders including Gibal, were attempting to break the Byzantine naval blockade and provide essential supplies to the defenders of the city.

The Byzantine fleet, equipped with superior seamanship and possibly superior weaponry, decisively defeated the Gothic fleet. Many Gothic ships were sunk or captured, effectively cutting off Ancona from further resupply by sea. This victory was a crucial turning point in the Gothic War, as it severely weakened the Ostrogothic resistance and paved the way for further Byzantine advances into Italy. The victory at Sena Gallica helped solidify Byzantine control over the Adriatic Sea and contributed significantly to the eventual reconquest of Italy by Justinian. The battle demonstrated the effectiveness of the Byzantine navy in controlling strategic coastlines and disrupting enemy logistics.