A eunuch courtier who rose to become the most powerful figure at Justinian's court, Narses first appeared in Italy as a check on Belisarius, where his divided loyalties undermined the general's command. Appointed supreme commander in his seventies with full powers and a well-supplied army of 35,000, he proved a capable organizer despite limited prior experience, decisively defeating and killing the Ostrogothic king Totila and completing the reconquest of Italy. He was later recalled and humiliated by the Empress Sophia, and according to legend retaliated by inviting the Lombards into Italy, triggering a prolonged war that cost the empire most of the territory he had won.
Also known as: Narcissus
What each episode says
Episode 7 (2 mentions)
“the second, Narcissus, an elderly, deceptively frail-looking Armenian eunuch, was commander”
“Narcissus positioned his men at the exits, ensuring that there was no escape.”
Episode 8 (8 mentions)
Narses is described as a eunuch in his 60s whose condition prevented him from wanting the throne himself, and the most powerful figure at court. Theodora and Justinian sent him to Italy with vague orders to obey Belisarius 'so far as seems consistent with the public good,' effectively to watch and limit the general. He undermined Belisarius's command, backed insubordinate officers, and his presence split the army.
“court. Narcissus set sail with reinforcements and instructions to obey so far as seems consistent”
“of the young commanders got up to say so. Narcissus, however, thought differently. He spoke last, and”
“It convinced Justinian to recall Narses to the capital, leaving the army at last under a single”
Episode 9 (4 mentions)
Described as the most powerful member of Justinian's court and well into his seventies when appointed, Narses was given what Belisarius never had: full powers and an army of 35,000 plus back pay for the troops. Despite his only prior military experience being the suppression of the Nika Riots and the losing of Milan, he proved a superb organizer and decisively defeated and killed Totila, ending Gothic resistance.
“the eunuch Narses, himself well into his seventies.”
“Where Belisarius had sailed with 4,000 men, Narses sailed with 35,000, and the promise”
“When Narses landed, he brought with him luxuries that Belisarius had never enjoyed, not only”
Episode 10 (1 mention)
The eunuch who completed Justinian's reconquest of Italy, but was recalled and humiliated by the Empress Sophia. According to legend, he muttered that he would tie her a knot she would not undo in her lifetime, and then invited the Lombards into Italy, starting a long bitter war that cost the empire most of its Italian territory.
“According to legend, the eunuch Narses, having recently completed the reconquest, had been”
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