Conon (general under Justinian I)

Conon was a Byzantine military leader during the reign of Justinian I. During the Siege of Rome he was sent to lead reinforcements to Belisarius.[1] Landing in Naples he and Paulus, another Byzantine military commander, led 3,000 Isaurians to Belisarius’ aid.[1] First they waited for other contingents' reinforcements to gather in Naples before moving on to Rome.[1] Later he was the leader of the garrison at Ancona.[1] When an army under Vacimus arrived at Ancona he deployed to face them in open battle but quickly retreated when seeing the full size of the enemy force.[1] The gates were already closed but the garrison could climb into the city using ropes.[1] The attackers had siege equipment ready and could immediately attempt to storm the city.[1] The attackers gained a foothold on the walls but Ultimuth, from Belisarius’ guards, and Gouboulgoudou, from Valerian’s guard, drove the attackers out both suffering severe wounds.[1] Later Conon led the 1,000 strong garrison of Naples during the Siege of Naples.[1]