In the spring of 542, at the Battle of Faventia (modern Faenza), an Ostrogothic army under king Totila scatters the larger Roman forces of generals Constantian and Alexander, beginning the resurgence of Gothic resistance to the Roman reconquest of Italy.
Before the battle, Valaris, a gigantic Goth, challenges any Roman to do single combat with him.
Valaris is slain by the Byzantine (Armenian) soldier Artabazes, who is also mortally wounded.
