Count Belisarius — Robert Graves

This “vigorous tale” by the acclaimed author of I, Claudius captures the sixth century fall of the Byzantine Empire as seen through the eyes of a servant (Kirkus Reviews).
 
Threatened by invaders on all sides, the Eastern Roman Empire of the sixth century fought to maintain its borders. Leading its defense was the Byzantine general Belisarius, a man who earned the grudging respect of his enemies, and who rose to become Emperor Justinian's greatest military leader.
 
Loosely based on Procopius's History of the Justinian Wars and Secret History, this novel tells the Belisarius's story through the eyes of Eugenius, a eunuch and servant to the general's wife. It presents a compelling portrait of a man bound by a strict code of honor and unrelenting loyalty to an emperor who is intelligent but flawed, and whose decisions bring him to a tragic end.
 
Eminent historical novelist and classicist Robert Graves presents a vivid account of a time in history both dissolute and violent, and demonstrates one again his mastery of this historical period.
 
“A brilliant piece of scholarship.” -- Kirkus Reviews
 
“The scope of the book is massive -- encompassing religious controversy and cultural developments as well as military history -- yet, throughout, Graves succeeds in blending historical details with the development of his main characters.” -- Historical Novel Society