Cyric puts the Britons to flight at the battle of Searobyrig (Sarum).
553. Narses puts an end to the power of the Ostrogoths in Italy, and annexes it to the Eastern Empire.
Fifth general council of the Church at Constantinople. The exarch is established at Ravenna, representing the Emperor of the East.
554. Italy is invaded by the Franks and Alemanni; they are defeated by Narses.
555. Tzathes declared king of the Lazi; the Persians are defeated by the Romans at Phasis.
War between Clotaire and the Saxons.
558. Death of Childebert; the Salic Law prevents his daughters reigning; their brother, Clotaire, becomes sole king of the Franks.
559. Belisarius' last achievement is to expel the Bulgarians, who advanced to within twenty miles of Constantinople.
561. Death of Clotaire; the Frankish kingdom again divided.
The services of Belisarius excite the jealousy of Justinian and his courtiers.