Artabazes (d. 542) was a Byzantine military officer, recorded taking part in the Gothic War. He was killed just prior to the Battle of Faventia. The main source about him is Procopius. [1] [2]
Artabazes was a native of Byzantine Armenia. His unit consisted of Persian troops, transferred from the fortress Sisauranon to the Italia Peninsula. He is first recorded in 542 as an archon of the Byzantine army, but his rank is not specified in primary sources. [1] He was one of the Byzantine troops marching against the city of Verona, an Ostrogoth stronghold. The Byzantine forces consisted of about 12,000 men, with Constantianus and Alexander as co-commanders. [2]
The Byzantines managed to bribe or otherwise win over Marcianus, one of the sentinels of the city. He was to open a city gate at night. A small Byzantine unit would seize the gate and prepare the entry of the rest of the army. Artabazes was chosen to lead the operation. His unit for the night consisting of a 100 hand-picked men. The small force did enter the city. But the rest of the Byzantine army failed to arrive on time. The co-commanders were allegedly involved in a nightly dispute over how to divide the plunder once the city was taken. The delay proved disastrous. The Gothic garrison had time to organize itself and advance against Artabazes. They regained control of the gate, leaving the Byzantine unit trapped within the city. The fighting continued, with Artabazes and his men retreating towards the battlement. Their only way of escape was to jump down from the city walls. They did so, with several of them killed by the fall. [1][2]
Artabazes survived the battle mostly unhurt. He returned to the Byzantine camp. He bitterly criticized the delay that cost them victory. [1] They Byzantine army retreated towards Faventia. They eventually camped next to a stream variously known as Anemo or Lamone. There they were met by Totila, King of the Ostrogoths (r. 541-552), marching against them with about 5,000 men. [2] Artabazes is recorded urging his superiors to attack the enemy forces while they were still crossing the river. He argued that the disorder would gain their side an advantage. His idea was rejected. [1]
While the rival armies were preparing for battle, Artabazes was engaged in single combat against Valaris. The latter was a champion of the Goths, reportedly a giant of a man. Artabazes managed to slay his opponent. But he was mortally wounded himself and died shortly after. Procopius praises him as a good soldier.[1][2]
Totila won the Battle of Faventia, even managing to capture the imperial standards. He then took the initiative in invading Tuscany and besieging Florence. [2]