The New Student's Reference Work/Narses

Nar'ses, statesman and general, one of the supports of the eastern Roman empire, was born in Persian Armenia about 472 A. D. From a low position he rose to be keeper of the privy purse to Emperor Justinian. Some years later he was given sole command in Italy. His conduct of this campaign was very masterly; having no transports, he marched his army around the Adriatic, encountered the Ostrogoths at Taginæ and defeated them, slaying their king. After further successes and taking possession of Rome, Narses completely destroyed the Gothic power. He was then made prefect of Italy and held court at Ravenna until the death of Justinian, when, being accused of avarice .and extortion by the people, he was removed by Justin (567). Narses died at Rome about 573 A. D. See Goth's Justinian and Hodgkin's Italy and Her Invaders.