Siege of Ravenna, 539–540

Belisarius isolated Ravenna after campaigns across northern Italy and negotiations with the Franks. The Ostrogothic leadership offered to recognise him as western emperor, an offer he appeared to accept in order to gain entry to the city.

Ravenna surrendered in 540, and King Witiges was sent to Constantinople. The victory seemed to complete the conquest of the Ostrogothic kingdom, but the war revived after Belisarius left Italy.

The siege supports fiction about diplomacy, divided loyalty and the political danger created by a successful general.