Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa vs Totila

Agrippa was appointed governor of Transalpine Gaul. He suppressed a rebellion by the Aquitanian tribes, extended Roman control, and began construction of the road network that would become the Via Agrippa, linking the province to Italy.

As aedile, Agrippa oversaw the construction of the Aqua Julia aqueduct in Rome. This project improved the city's water supply and demonstrated his commitment to public works, setting a precedent for his later building programs.

Agrippa commanded the fleet of Octavian against the combined naval forces of Mark Antony and Cleopatra. His tactical maneuvering and blockade forced Antony's fleet to break out, resulting in a decisive victory that ended the Roman civil wars.

Agrippa completed the original Pantheon in Rome, a temple dedicated to all the gods. The building featured a rectangular plan with a porch of granite columns. The structure was later rebuilt by Hadrian but retained Agrippa's inscription.

Augustus arranged for Agrippa to marry his daughter Julia, cementing their political alliance. The marriage produced five children, including Gaius and Lucius Caesar, whom Augustus adopted as his heirs, and Agrippina the Elder.

Totila led a successful campaign to reconquer southern Italy from the Byzantines. He captured Naples and other key cities, using a combination of siege tactics and diplomacy. This nearly restored Ostrogothic control over the Italian peninsula.

Totila captured Rome after a long siege, exploiting a night attack. He initially planned to destroy the city but was persuaded to spare it. The capture demonstrated Ostrogothic military capability and weakened Byzantine control.

Totila's Ostrogothic fleet was defeated by the Byzantine navy at the Battle of Sena Gallica. This loss cut off Ostrogothic supply lines and allowed the Byzantines to launch a final campaign under Narses, leading to Totila's downfall.

Totila led the Ostrogothic army against the Byzantine general Narses at Taginae in central Italy. The Ostrogoths were decisively defeated, and Totila was killed in the battle. This defeat marked the end of Ostrogothic resistance in Italy.