Siege of Naples
536 CE.
Shown on the map at 40.833°, 14.250°.
The siege of Naples or siege of Neapolis took place in October–November 536, where Byzantines captured the city controlled by the Ostrogoths (Goths) during the Gothic War (535–554). After securing Sicily, Belisarius crossed the narrow strait to Rhegium and marched along the Italian coast toward Rome. The first resistance came in Naples, where its citizens chose to resist, encouraged by pro-Gothic leaders, despite Belisarius's generous terms. The siege lasted about twenty days with significant Byzantine casualties, and Belisarius nearly called it off before the discovery of a small entrance into the city near the aqueduct. Byzantine troops widened the hole in the rock to ease access in secret. After Belisarius's final offer to surrender was rejected, his troops stormed the city during the night, where killings and looting took place. Belisarius restored order among his troops, allowing his soldiers to keep the loot and releasing all citizens of Naples. The 800-strong Gothic garrison was captured and treated well but the pro-Gothic leaders met violent ends. The fall of Naples opened the way for Belisarius to advance on Rome, which he entered unopposed on 9 December 536.
Text from the Wikipedia article Siege of Naples (536), licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.