How the Eastern Roman Army Declined - Armies and Tactics DOCUMENTARY

The Kings and Generals animated historical documentary series on the evolution of the Roman Army continues with the fourth episode of the series on the Army of the Eastern Roman Empire - the Byzantine Empire. In this episode, we'll talk about the late era Byzantine army and will see how it declined during the era of the Seljuk expansion, Fourth Crusade, and the rise of the Ottomans

#Documentary #ByzantineArmy #Romans

[lafilozadeljhonny]

In resume, this is the golden era of Kings and Generals. This guy covers a lot of Byzantine history. Pls do more, i'm a byzantophile.

[Mr_M_History]

As a history teacher, I'm loving that the Eastern empire is getting more coverage and engaging pieces such as these. It really helps for engaging students and allowing them to visualise things!

[RoboticDragon]

Until you guys started doing all the videos about the Ottomans and Byzantines, I never thought much about that rea of the world. You guys have showed me how truly fascinating it is.

[wendigoxavier]

Let's appreciate the fact that all this knowledge is FREE. So, thank you, kind sir.

[pseudomonas]

Great reference to the Cretan archers, the last defenders of Constantinople! The Cretans were always the most fiercely loyal soldiers of Rhomania (and still are...). The Cretan archers in 1453 AD, were led by Manousos Kallikratis the Lord of the Sfakia region, who still held the byzantine title of Drougarrios (i.e. admiral). They answered immediately to the call of Constantine Palaiologos for help, and even if Crete was under the Venetians's rule, Kallikratis was able to recruit 800 men, and and with 5 ships they sailed for Constantinople. After a fierce sea battle with the Ottoman navy in Propontis, in which Kallikratis was killed, the remained Cretans arrived in the City, and they were offered the duty to defend three towers. They continued to fight, even when the City has fallen. The Ottomans amazed by their loyalty to the fallen Emperor, and their bravery, they allowed the last remaining Cretans, return to their island. There is also a legend that their ship never returned to Crete, but remains in a place out of time, until the Marble King will rise again, and the last defenders of Constantinople, will return to fight at his side... The Cretan archers have an incredible, almost 2.500 years long, history. Starting from the Trojan War, where the best Achean archer is Meriones from Crete, and continue to the Cretan archers of Xenofon in his famous "March of the 10.000", and those of Alexander the Great's, and arriving until the Late Byzantine Era.

[IapetusStag]

Your pronunciation of Koine Greek is improving, Kings and Generals.

[mikemodugno]

Every since I first became enthralled with history in grade school (with a healthy dose of AOE 2) the Byzantine Empire has been my favorite state in all history. Thanks for this series!

[napoleonibonaparte]

You can honour the Romans by reuniting the Calradian Empire, and avenge the Battle of Pendraic.

[cvukxug]

Your videos kickstarted my interest in the Byzantine Empire, so thanks for that! The Empire is one of the most underrated and understudied states in our history. Salute!

[Smurfonshroom]

Thank you guys for creating the most detailed video summarizing the Eastern Roman/Byzantine Army on YouTube

[thatoneguyii]

I think one of the biggest flaw The Byzantine Empire had was they lack the ability to take Heavy Losses and still be able to replace troops compared their predecessors like the Roman Republic, despite having more wealth, manpower and resources than the latter. The Roman Republic during the 2nd Punic Wars took massive casualties fighting Hannibal but were able to field legions in very little time to fight him again.

[simonpetersen]

Me: *trying to clear my watchlist
Kings and Generals: Here`s our new Video!
Me and My watchlist: More! More!

[byzantinetales]

Great to see a much improved Greek pronunciation 👏🏻. No Asia Minor, no taxes and manpower.

[pseudomonas]

The Tzakones or Τσακώνες, were coming from Lakonia, and the Despotate of Morea, and they were basically the main part of the native soldiers of Constantine Palaiologos during the Siege of Constantinople in 1453. During the Greek War of Independence (1821-1829), the Tzakones were among the most fierce Greek warriors, and they defeated even the troops of the famous Ibrahim Pasha, who was sent from Egypt to supress the Greek Revolution, when the later invaded their land in Lakonia.

[nathanpangilinan]

There once was a dream. A dream that fell. And this is how said dream fell.

[hey_wassup]

Perfect timing as my Eastern Roman Empire campaign is slowly falling apart

[barbiquearea]

Thus explains why the Byzantines don't have gunpowder units in either Age of Empires 2 or Medieval 2 Total War.

[storymaker]

One common misconception is that the mighty themes army was destroyed after Manzikert, when in reality the themes system basically fell apart in the early 11th century and was a reason why Manzikerk happened.

Basically more and more of the themes began focusing on making money instead of quality soldiers and the Empire began relying more and more on foreign mercenaries with no real loyalty to the state. Most of the Byzantine army deserted manzikert even before the fighting started

[zhshsG]

Anything related to the Eastern Roman Empire is rare to find on youtube, you guys are awesome for covering it.

[georgebethanis]

By far the most interesting nation in the medieval ages. They fought barbarians, steppe nomads, catholic nations, arabs, crusaders, vikings. They fucking did it all and were in the forefront of history. They shaped Slavic civilization, and had a legendary capital, a jewel to behold. Everything about the Byzantines is just EPIC.