Bessas

Bessas (before 480 – after 554) is an East Roman (Byzantine) general of Gothic origin from Thrace, primarily active under Justinian I (reigned 527–565).

He distinguishes himself against the Sassanid Persians in the Iberian War and under the command of Belisarius in the Gothic War, but after Belisarius' departure from Italy he fails to confront the resurgent Goths and is largely responsible for the loss of Rome in 546.

Returning east in disgrace, despite his advanced age he is appointed as commander in the Lazic War.

There he redeems himself with the recapture of Petra, but his subsequent idleness leads Justinian to dismiss him and exile him in Abasgia.

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