What was the significance of the Battle of Dara?

The Battle of Dara was a significant military conflict fought between the Byzantine (Eastern Roman) Empire and the Sassanian Persian Empire in 530 AD. It took place near the ancient city of Dara (in modern-day Turkey) and was part of the larger Roman-Persian Wars.

The battle was significant because it marked the first time that the Byzantines faced the Persian army under their new king, Kavadh I. Despite being outnumbered, the Byzantine general Belisarius was able to secure a tactical victory by outmaneuvering the Persians and exploiting their weaknesses.

The victory at Dara allowed Belisarius to consolidate his position in the region and prevent the Persians from launching a major offensive against Byzantine territories. It also marked the beginning of a long and bitter struggle between the two empires, which lasted for centuries and saw many more battles fought.