Brasidas vs Totila

Brasidas led a small force to relieve the besieged Spartan garrison at Methone. He broke through the Athenian blockade, saving the city. This action earned him the first public commendation in Sparta during the Peloponnesian War.

Brasidas led a rapid march through Thessaly and captured the Athenian colony of Amphipolis in Thrace. The city's strategic location and resources made it a major loss for Athens. Thucydides, the Athenian commander, was exiled for failing to defend it.

Brasidas faced the Athenian general Cleon outside Amphipolis. He launched a surprise attack, routing the Athenians. Both Brasidas and Cleon were killed. Brasidas was buried in Amphipolis and honored as the city's founder.

Totila led a successful campaign to reconquer southern Italy from the Byzantines. He captured Naples and other key cities, using a combination of siege tactics and diplomacy. This nearly restored Ostrogothic control over the Italian peninsula.

Totila captured Rome after a long siege, exploiting a night attack. He initially planned to destroy the city but was persuaded to spare it. The capture demonstrated Ostrogothic military capability and weakened Byzantine control.

Totila's Ostrogothic fleet was defeated by the Byzantine navy at the Battle of Sena Gallica. This loss cut off Ostrogothic supply lines and allowed the Byzantines to launch a final campaign under Narses, leading to Totila's downfall.

Totila led the Ostrogothic army against the Byzantine general Narses at Taginae in central Italy. The Ostrogoths were decisively defeated, and Totila was killed in the battle. This defeat marked the end of Ostrogothic resistance in Italy.