Page "Gothic War (535–554)" Paragraph 4

Already in 533, utilizing a dynastic dispute, Justinian had sent his most talented general, Belisarius, to recover the North African provinces held by the Vandals.

The Vandalic War produced an unexpectedly swift and decisive victory for the Roman Empire, and must certainly have encouraged Justinian in his ambition to recover the lost western provinces.

During this war, Amalasuntha had allowed the Roman fleet to use the harbours of Sicily, which belonged to the Ostrogothic Kingdom, as bases of operation.

Through his agents, Justinian tried to save Amalasuntha's life, but to no avail.

Her death, in any case, gave him the perfect excuse for war.

As Procopius writes: " as soon as he learned what had happened to Amalasuntha, being in the ninth year of his reign, he entered upon war.