The Wars of Belisarius, by Maurice Nero

In a time of the Roman Empire’s decline, one man rose above the rest to become one of its most celebrated generals.

Belisarius, entrusted by Emperor Justinian, was sent to reclaim lost Roman lands. With limited resources but unmatched skill, he crushed the Vandals in Africa and defeated the Goths in Italy, restoring much of the Western Empire. In the East, he drove back a massive Persian force, without firing a single arrow, preserving countless Roman lives.

But success bred enemies. Jealous commanders whispered lies. Even Justinian, threatened by Belisarius’s rising fame, began to doubt him. And scandal struck at home: rumors swirled that Belisarius’s wife, Antonina, was having an affair with their foster son.

Full of war, betrayal, and political intrigue, this is the true story of a brilliant general who risked everything to defend an empire—only to find danger on every front, even within his own household.