First published 1982
Count Belisarius follows the legendary military commander of the Byzantine Empire during the reign of Justinian I. A peerless strategist born into nobility, Belisarius leads imperial armies against overwhelming forces—Vandals in North Africa, Ostrogoths in Italy—with tactical brilliance that defies military logic. Despite repeated victories that expand the empire's territories, he faces constant political intrigue from rivals and the imperial court who view his success as a threat. His wife Antonina, a former courtesan with her own complex political ambitions, becomes both his greatest supporter and potential vulnerability. Surrounded by enemies both external and internal, Belisarius must navigate a treacherous world where military genius offers no protection against court manipulation.
Genres: historical, historical-fiction, military-fiction, political-thriller
Vibes: intimate, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, political-intrigue
Period: World War I
580 pages · Paperback · Farrar Straus & Giroux