Book Review: Count Belisarius

After reading Robert Graves’ brilliant historical novel “I, Claudius” and its sequel “Claudius the God”, I decided to read “Count Belisarius”, a lesser-known but equally engaging tale.

Belisarius, a Roman general (AD 500-565), embodies all the characteristics of a hero: fair, generous, courageous, and wise. He is a talent that every empire desires. However, his perfection naturally attracts jealousy, but his will remains as strong as his abilities.

Told from the point of view of Eugenius, a eunuch to Belisarius’ wife Antonina, the story unfolds in a rather objective way. Graves is truly one of the most gifted writers; he transforms historical events into vivid images. Belisarius’ life is a series of campaigns, sieges, and attacks. Each battle is described in such a dynamic way that I can feel the desperation during the sieges, the cry of the troops, and the chaos of the battles.

Justinian, the emperor of the time, constantly questions Belisarius’s loyalty. In truth, Belisarius has many chances to become an emperor, but he never once entertained the idea.

“Some have held, because of this, that his character stands far higher than an ordinary man’s; others that it falls far below, being equal to that of a poltroon.” The only thing I’m certain of is that Belisarius won’t be Belisarius if he takes over the throne.

Belisarius’ story reminds me of a phrase from the Analects of Confucius: “Man is born for uprightness. A man without it who yet escapes disaster does so only by chance. 人之生也直，罔之生也幸而免。” Despite becoming a beggar and losing his eyesight towards the end of his life, Belisarius is saved by many who love him.

“Count Belisarius” might not be as entertaining or as easy to understand as “I, Claudius”, which is set in a period made popular by media and filled with scandals, conspiracies, and manipulations. However, it’s still a must-read historical novel in my opinion. Through Graves’ words, we meet a remarkable military figure who is generous and just. Despite facing adversaries, he never compromises his ideals.