Siege of Naples (536)

The Siege of Naples in 536 was a pivotal event during the Gothic War (535–554), marking a significant early victory for the Byzantine Empire under Emperor Justinian I in its campaign to reconquer Italy from the Ostrogoths. The city of Naples, then under Ostrogothic control, was besieged by a Byzantine force led by Belisarius.

The siege lasted approximately twenty days. Naples was heavily fortified and defended by a Gothic garrison. Belisarius initially attempted to take the city by conventional means, but his efforts were unsuccessful due to the strength of the Neapolitan walls. Recognizing the difficulty of a direct assault, Belisarius employed a daring and unconventional tactic. He utilized a small contingent of soldiers to infiltrate the city through an abandoned aqueduct.

This small force, undetected by the defenders, managed to gain access to the city's interior. They then opened the gates, allowing the main Byzantine army to pour into Naples. The Gothic garrison, caught completely by surprise, was quickly overwhelmed.

The capture of Naples was strategically important for several reasons. It provided the Byzantines with a vital port and base of operations further north into Italy. It also served as a major blow to Ostrogothic morale and prestige. Furthermore, the fall of Naples contributed to internal divisions within the Ostrogothic kingdom, ultimately weakening their ability to resist the Byzantine invasion. Following the capture, Belisarius showed restraint and discipline to prevent widespread pillaging and violence, attempting to win over the local population to Byzantine rule. The siege and capture of Naples paved the way for the subsequent siege and capture of Rome, further solidifying Byzantine control over southern Italy.