Taginae

Taginae, Latin Taginæ, refers to an ancient settlement in central Italy, located in the region that is now Umbria. The traditional identifications place Taginae near the modern town of Gualdo Tadino in the province of Perugia, though the exact location remains a matter of scholarly debate. The site is known primarily from classical and late antique sources rather than from extensive archaeological excavations.

The settlement is best known for its role in the Gothic War (circa 535–554 CE). In 552 CE, the Byzantine army under general Narses defeated the Ostrogothic forces led by Totila at Taginae. Totila was killed during the battle, and the Byzantine victory halted a Gothic revival in central Italy. The outcome solidified Byzantine influence in the Italian peninsula and contributed to the eventual restoration of substantial Byzantine control over parts of northern and central Italy, though full reconquest did not occur immediately.

As a place name, Taginae survives in historical texts, but the site did not develop into a lasting urban center of major importance in late antiquity or the medieval period. Today, Taginae is primarily of interest to historians and archaeologists studying the Gothic War and the topography of ancient central Italy. The identification of the exact battlefield site continues to be refined, with researchers weighing proximity to Gualdo Tadino and other nearby locations against ancient itineraries and literary descriptions.