Valaris

Before the battle, Valaris approached the Romans on his horse and challenged any of them to do single combat with him.

[1] Procopius (Gothic War, III.4.21–29) describes Valaris as a man of great physical size and martial skill.

His martial appearance terrified the Roman soldiers, and only a Persarmenian officer named Artabazes stood forth to accept the challenge.

The duel was conducted on horseback, and Artabazes was able to hit Valaris on his right side with his spear, mortally wounding him.

[2] While Artabazes was nurturing his wound in the rear, however, the Battle of Faventia resulted in a great victory for Totila's Ostrogoths.