Episode 46 - The Last War (Heraclius v Persia)

'The History of Byzantium' is a podcast telling the story of the Roman Empire from 476 AD to 1453.

In episode 46 the Emperor Heraclius faces down the greatest crisis in Roman history. The Persians have taken the eastern provinces and the Avars are menacing the west. After training the last Roman army left in the Empire, Heraclius prepares to march East and either restore the old borders or never return.

[rayj]

This is a remarkable account of Emperor Heraclius and the final showdown between the Romans and Persians. Your framing of perspectives from multiple sides and players is admirable. Bravo on a considerable achievement.

[danielbenitez-kziz]

This is a great podcast of Heraclius, very detailed and thrilling! Heraclius' efforts are always impressive to learn about but it is disappointing to know he lost the Balkans and the rest of the eastern provinces when the Arabs raised.

[JackHankeAnd]

Still my favorite thing you’ve ever produced, Robin. A phenomenal work. I hope you’re proud of it.

[TonyFontaine]

Great podcast about a vastly underrated emperor

[yakovmatityahu]

I wish there was a movie on this enormous event...

[theindoboi]

I am 18 and Heraclius is one of my favorite role models because of his willingness to never give up despite having little left. Schools should teach the life of Heraclius more. Respect to him. You just gained a new subscriber! ❤

[Dataism]

Love this episode, especially the rolling of the drums gimmick.

[MarcusAgrippa]

Last time I was this early, Constantine wasn't even that great....

[Александр-цко]

When i have bad days i remember this badass emperor of romans - i dont even know how he managed all of this. mb we truly become weak

[Wolf-bzkq]

Emperor Heraclius: the Original Crusader

[ericponce]

Was the correspondence within the Roman army written in Greek or Latin?

[susanpower-qq]

5/15 The Sun Shining In Winter is Beautiful
Very beautiful comparison especially in Today world at war between Two Superpowers USA Versus Russia
The oppressive gloomy winter of this Western godless world
Thank you Deacon George of Pisidia in Agia Sophia under Patriarch Sergius 3/25

[kidmohair]

you may (or may not) be pleased to note that I have found that
listening to you while doing yoga is a win-win.

1:20:20 - 1:21:20 …if the Arabs had taken Constantinople in the 8th century,
the succeeding rebirth that we westerners all hold so dear,
could potentially have been even greater than it was,
and would, probably, have happened sooner than it did historically.
(not to mention that the crusader sack of 1204, wouldn't have happened)
that period in the Islamic polity was the beginning of a “golden age” of learning,
history, science and wonder of wonders, harmonious relations between the various monotheists.

but. t'is all idle speculation.

[ericchang]

It's a tireless and thankless job to hold an empire together, let along if the empire has with diverse people and without defensible natural terrains, etc.. Ottomans had the troubles in the end, and even WW1 originated from the Balkans, part of former Byzantine empire.