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.
Prelude
The Gothic War began as part of Byzantine Emperor Justinian's goal to restore former Western Roman territories to Byzantine control. It started with the successful reconquest of North Africa in the Vandalic War (533–534). In early 535, tensions in the Gothic kingdom escalated following the assassination of Queen Amalasuntha, who had maintained good relations with the Byzantines and even considered handing her kingdom to Justinian, further weakened by internal leadership struggles that continued under King Theodahad. Justinian used Amalasuntha's death as a diplomatic pretext for military intervention. He first dispatched Mundus to seize Salona in Dalmatia region and sent Belisarius to invade Sicily. The Goths struggled to resist these offensives, as Justinian had also secured an alliance with the Franks, who sought to expand into Gothic territories. Sicily fell under Byzantine control with the siege of Panormus being the only viable Gothic resistance. Upon receiving orders from Justinian to invade the Italian Peninsula, Belisarius moved swiftly. Leaving garrisons at Panormus and Syracuse, he crossed the narrow strait of Messina to Rhegium and landed on mainland Italy in late spring 536. Opposing him was Ebrimuth, son-in-law of Theodahad, who had been dispatched to guard the Straits of Messina after the Byzantine capture of Sicily. Ebrimuth and his troops surrendered to Belisarius without resistance. Ebrimuth was sent to Constantinople, where he received gifts and was honored with the title of patricius. Belisarius then advanced into southern Italy, which was undefended following Ebrimuth's defection. The towns of the region welcomed the Byzantine troops, as many disliked the Gothic rule, but even if they wished to resist, they were unable to do so due to the lack of defensive walls. Belisarius marched quickly through Bruttium, Lucania, and Campania with the fleet sailing along the coast, to reach Naples. Naples was well defended, possessing strong walls in good repair and a Gothic garrison, which was loyal to their king as he had kept their families as hostages. Belisarius needed to capture Naples quickly as his aim was to reach Rome before the upcoming winter.
Military and diplomatic actions
Initial negotiations Belisarius ordered his fleet into the harbor but kept the ships beyond the range of artillery sited on the walls. After a suburban fort surrendered, he requested that envoys from the city negotiate with him. The contemporary historian, Procopius, named three of the Gothic envoys: Stephanus, Pastor, and Asclepiodotus. The envoys argued that Naples was not important and its Gothic garrison would not surrender due to their families being hostages and suggested that the Byzantines should move north to Rome. Belisarius replied that he was not seeking their advice; instead, he promised to let the Gothic garrison depart unharmed for the city's surrender. In private, he promised Stephanus a large reward if he could inspire the citizens of Naples with goodwill towards the emperor. Back in Naples, the pro-Gothic orators named Pastor and Asclepiodotus convinced the citizens of Naples to put forward demands which were unlikely to be accepted by Belisarius. However, he accepted every demand. A sizable majority of citizens headed to open the gates, unopposed by the Gothic garrison. However, Pastor and Asclepiodotus managed to present a convincing argument to the crowd that the Byzantines cannot guarantee the security of Naples from any Gothic retaliation and that the city's fortifications were strong enough to repel the Byzantine assaults. The orators brought the local Jews, who were attached to the Gothic rule, to promise that there are ample supplies. The citizens eventually decided against surrendering.
Siege
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