Gothic War (535–554)

High school (ages 12+)
History & Culture

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Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/gothic-war-535-554

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the war duration?19 years (535–554)
2. What is the imperial mandate?Justinian I's policy of Renovatio Imperii Romanorum (Restoration of the Roman Empire)
3. What was the Gothic War about?It was a big fight between the Byzantine Empire and the Ostrogoths over who would rule Italy.
4. Who were the main leaders in the war?Emperor Justinian I sent generals Belisarius and later Narses, while the Ostrogoths were led by Witiges and Totila.

Renovatio Imperii Romanorum: Justinian I's ambition to restore the Roman Empire to its former territorial extent.
Ostrogothic Kingdom: The Germanic kingdom established in Italy by the Ostrogoths in the late 5th century.
Siege Warfare: Military tactics involving surrounding and attacking a fortified place, often leading to starvation or assault.
Depopulation: A significant decrease in the number of inhabitants of a region, often due to war, famine, or disease.