Gaiseric vs Totila

Gaiseric led the Vandals in the capture of Carthage, the most important city in Roman North Africa. He made it the capital of the Vandal Kingdom, establishing a powerful naval base that controlled Mediterranean trade routes.

Gaiseric led the Vandal fleet to Rome and sacked the city. Unlike Alaric's sack in 410, the Vandals systematically looted treasures, including the spoils from the Temple of Jerusalem. The event gave rise to the term 'vandalism.'

Gaiseric's Vandal fleet defeated a massive combined Roman and Byzantine invasion force at Cape Bon. The victory secured Vandal control over the western Mediterranean and prevented the reconquest of North Africa.

Gaiseric negotiated a peace treaty with the Byzantine Emperor Zeno, ending decades of conflict. The treaty recognized Vandal control over North Africa, the Balearic Islands, Corsica, Sardinia, and Sicily, solidifying the Vandal Kingdom's borders.

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.