Viewing the ruins of Rome, he determined to rebuild her walls and recall her inhabitants with as little delay as possible.

But fortune was opposed to this laudable enterprise; for Justinian, being at this time assailed by the Parthians, recalled him; and his duty to his sovereign compelled him to abandon Italy to Totila, who again took Rome, but did not treat her with such severity as upon the former occasion; for at the entreaty of St.Benedict, who in those days had great reputation for sanctity, he endeavored to restore her.

In the meantime, Justinian having arranged matters with the Parthians, again thought of sending a force to the relief of Italy; but the Sclavi, another northern people, having crossed the Danube and attacked Illyria and Thrace, prevented him, so that Totila held almost the whole country.

Having conquered the Slavonians, Justinian sent Narses, a eunuch, a man of great military talent, who, having arrived in Italy, routed and slew Totila.

The Goths who escaped sought refuge in Pavia, where they created Teias their king.