Belisarius: Conquest of Italy (4/6)

SdĂ­let
VloĆŸit
  • čas pƙidĂĄn 20. 01. 2022
  • Download Fishing Clash for FREE and play today! fishingclash.onelink.me/dkOM/...
    Big thanks to Legendarian for 'Total War: Attila' gameplay footage, check out his CZcams channel here: / @legendarian4690
    Big thanks also to our series consultant Professor David Parnell of Indiana University Northwest, who you can follow on Twitter here: / byzantineprof
    'Total War: Attila' gameplay footage used with kind permission of Creative Assembly - buy the game here: www.amazon.co.uk/Total-War-At...
    Support Epic History TV on Patreon from $1 per video, and get perks including ad-free early access & votes on future topics / epichistorytv
    🎹 Original artwork by MiƂek Jakubiec www.artstation.com/milek
    Visit our online bookshop to find great books on this and other topics:
    UK site - uk.bookshop.org/shop/epichist...
    US site - bookshop.org/shop/epichistorytv
    As a bookshop.org affiliate we earn from qualifying purchases while donating 10% of sales to support independent bookshops!
    📚Recommended reading:
    📖Procopius, History of the Wars US: bookshop.org/a/99532/97806749... / UK: uk.bookshop.org/a/12275/97806...
    📖 The Wars of Justinian by Michael Whitby US: bookshop.org/a/99532/97815267... / UK: uk.bookshop.org/a/12275/97815...
    📖 Rome Resurgent by Peter Heather US: bookshop.org/a/99532/97801975... / UK: uk.bookshop.org/a/12275/97801...
    📖The Armies of Ancient Persia: the Sassanians by Kaveh Farrokh US: bookshop.org/a/99532/97818488... / UK: uk.bookshop.org/a/12275/97818...
    📖Late Roman Cavalryman AD 236-565 (Osprey) by Simon MacDowall www.ospreypublishing.com/uk/l...
    👕 Buy EHTV t-shirts, hoodies, mugs and stickers here! teespring.com/en-GB/stores/ep...
    đŸŽ¶Music from Filmstro: filmstro.com/?ref=7765
    Get 20% off an annual license with this exclusive code: EPICHISTORYTV_ANN
    #EpicHistoryTV #RomanEmpire #EasternRomanEmpire #Justinian #Belisarius #ByzantineEmpire #Romans #Ostrogoths

Komentáƙe • 861

  • @EpichistoryTv
    @EpichistoryTv  Pƙed 2 lety +162

    I hope you enjoy the latest episode of our Belisarius series, as the war to reclaim Italy enters its darkest chapter.. Thanks to our sponsor Fishing Clash - download and play for free: fishingclash.onelink.me/dkOM/EpicHistoryTV Don't forget you can also support the channel, and get ad-free early access to all new videos, at our Patreon page: www.patreon.com/EpicHistoryTV

    • @generalnguyenngocloan1700
      @generalnguyenngocloan1700 Pƙed 2 lety +4

      Please keep the videos coming. Loving the Eastern Roman episodes the most. Greek speaking Romans to the endđŸ‘đŸ»

    • @Feanor1169
      @Feanor1169 Pƙed 2 lety +2

      Excellent channel and content. You should consider publishing to alternative video platforms so we don't have to use CZcams.

    • @86godhand
      @86godhand Pƙed 2 lety +1

      I love your channel, ive been here from the start. You do a great job at telling history as its portrayed but i really hope you will discuss and talk about the truly magnanimous figure King Totila

    • @madhurawat155
      @madhurawat155 Pƙed 2 lety

      If I were in Belisarius' place, I would've stepped down the moment Justinian announced his plan.
      Just imagine how overconfident he would've been that he chose to send Belisarius with 10000 men against 40000 enemies without trying to sow internal divisions,
      without providing him with complete authority over his army and,
      with North Africa still prone to rebellion.
      If I were in Justinian's place, I would've just tried to acquire Sicily and some other strategic places, while installing an allied king on the Ostrogothic throne.

    • @Mastakilla91
      @Mastakilla91 Pƙed 2 lety

      Hey Epic History TV, are you creating your video maps by yourself?

  • @Tsaroff21
    @Tsaroff21 Pƙed 2 lety +1684

    "Better one bad general than two good ones" ~ Napoleon. This point is well illustrated in this video!

    • @RealSkelzore
      @RealSkelzore Pƙed 2 lety +90

      Unless you're a Stalin wannabe that puts them against eachother for your own goals.

    • @jdekkers3262
      @jdekkers3262 Pƙed 2 lety +89

      @@RealSkelzore Which did result in more Russian casualties than necessary. So one could argue that the same strategy would backfire on any army not as large as that of the USSR in 1945

    • @prs_81
      @prs_81 Pƙed 2 lety +38

      @@jdekkers3262 I'm pretty sure Zhukov had complete control of the army at that point.

    • @jdekkers3262
      @jdekkers3262 Pƙed 2 lety +28

      @@prs_81 Ivan Konev commanded the Russians to Zhukov's south I believe

    • @paranoidandroid6095
      @paranoidandroid6095 Pƙed 2 lety +6

      He left his comrades alone to be beaten
      - about Saint-Cyr

  • @jackgruber7811
    @jackgruber7811 Pƙed 2 lety +439

    Justinian: “I hate Belisarius”
    Also Justinian: “I need Belusarius”

    • @rouymalic4463
      @rouymalic4463 Pƙed 2 lety +62

      Kinda like a toxic GF with a mood swings

    • @harithdanial141
      @harithdanial141 Pƙed 2 lety +98

      Belisarius was very much Agrippa but Justinian was no Octavian

    • @MeteCanKarahasan
      @MeteCanKarahasan Pƙed 2 lety +21

      People still don't understand Narses held so much power to hide the fact he himself was the perpetrator of the Nika revolt and was sawing distrust. He was Armenian. Otherwise, how do you explain him paying the riot leaders in all honesty - is this how negotiations are made with state enemies? Armenians were marked as insubordinate in Byzantine times. They are the enemy. You can see that when viewed in perspective of terrorist negotiation principles. Giving money to the rioters is proof of criminal aid.

    • @elemperadordemexico
      @elemperadordemexico Pƙed 2 lety +1

      @@harithdanial141 indeed

    • @Cyberpunker1088
      @Cyberpunker1088 Pƙed 2 lety

      Savior General

  • @darkscholar625
    @darkscholar625 Pƙed 2 lety +631

    Twice life had offered Belisarius a kingly crown and twice he had refused.

    • @andreascovano7742
      @andreascovano7742 Pƙed 2 lety +29

      Was this ambition?

    • @ProvisionalPatrioticAlliance
      @ProvisionalPatrioticAlliance Pƙed 2 lety +5

      Backhanded ambition like George Washington

    • @user-oh6eg4ny3h
      @user-oh6eg4ny3h Pƙed 2 lety +23

      But then Justinian became over paranoid about this and became distrustful of belisareus. Justinian missed an opportunity to have belisareus to take the throne in the west. He could’ve made him a puppet. Yes I get it that Justinian was scared of him becoming more powerful

    • @Hugh_Morris
      @Hugh_Morris Pƙed 2 lety +3

      He should've taken it

    • @trentfila6186
      @trentfila6186 Pƙed 2 lety +6

      Someone that shows loyalty.

  • @benk4088
    @benk4088 Pƙed 2 lety +1107

    Your documentaries have the perfect blend of information and excitement. Seriously nobody does it better, on television or youtube.

    • @EpichistoryTv
      @EpichistoryTv  Pƙed 2 lety +85

      Thank you Ben!

    • @ajithsidhu7183
      @ajithsidhu7183 Pƙed 2 lety +5

      @@EpichistoryTv please do on king porus

    • @Indo-Aryan9644
      @Indo-Aryan9644 Pƙed 2 lety +5

      @@ajithsidhu7183 He is king Puru khown as Porous to Greeks👑

    • @mormo123hhhmohammed7
      @mormo123hhhmohammed7 Pƙed 2 lety +7

      @@EpichistoryTv i totally agree with ben. Epic history has the best documentaries. remember back in the day when the waterloo video came out, I was amazed at EPTVs historical video.

    • @dna0303
      @dna0303 Pƙed 2 lety +10

      These guys are out here producing TV quality documentaries (if not better honestly) for everyone to watch for free on CZcams. Amazing stuff

  • @PakBallandSami
    @PakBallandSami Pƙed 2 lety +463

    “There is no point in being lucky if you do not have the wit to take advantage of your good fortune.”
    ― Ian Hughes, Belisarius

    • @samwisegamgee8318
      @samwisegamgee8318 Pƙed 2 lety +15

      Did that dude make his own quote from someone else’s quote? That’s some real Michael Scott energy right there.
      -Wayne Gretzky, Michael Scott

    • @ovidiuolaru3810
      @ovidiuolaru3810 Pƙed rokem +5

      It sums up Belisarius's tactics.
      He only fought on his own terms so he would have an advantage. When he was not in a favorable situation he waited for his enemies to show a weakness and would strike there. Decisive and patient. Belisarius's best traits.

  • @juliusevola2801
    @juliusevola2801 Pƙed 2 lety +391

    Gotta love belisarius. One of the most underrated roman men in history.

    • @Cancoillotteman
      @Cancoillotteman Pƙed 2 lety +24

      Loyal, honest AND competant. That is a rare combo indeed ^^

    • @timcusack9388
      @timcusack9388 Pƙed 2 lety +13

      HIs name has lived on for 1500 years i dont think hes underrated at all.

    • @ProvisionalPatrioticAlliance
      @ProvisionalPatrioticAlliance Pƙed 2 lety +2

      I mean he should be on the top ten list in popular imagination and I don't think he is. Kinda like Jebbe.

    • @madhurawat155
      @madhurawat155 Pƙed 2 lety +1

      @@timcusack9388 All thanks to Procopius

    • @webgen589
      @webgen589 Pƙed 2 lety

      the word Roman by that time is vague, Christian general from Anatolia is as Roman as Goths themselves...

  • @glenn_r_frank_author
    @glenn_r_frank_author Pƙed 2 lety +407

    Loving this Belisarius series... This is how history should be taught in schools!

    • @istvansipos9940
      @istvansipos9940 Pƙed 2 lety +12

      it cannot be. They have nowhere near enough history lessons for these details

    • @tilltronje1623
      @tilltronje1623 Pƙed 2 lety +13

      Not really. History lessons are not there to make you hyped over the military campaigns of some general. These are unimportant side shows

    • @trevorcaldwell4123
      @trevorcaldwell4123 Pƙed 2 lety +5

      Sir Edwin Gibbons epic history of the decline and fall of the roman Empire is a great start if parents wish to teach this to adolescence teacher's have enough on their plate with "mandatory" bs

    • @thatindiandude4602
      @thatindiandude4602 Pƙed 2 lety +8

      @@tilltronje1623 this. Unless you are learning about military history I don't see how hyping ancient generals serves much in learning history.

    • @leojrobison2102
      @leojrobison2102 Pƙed 2 lety +8

      @@thatindiandude4602 Sure but these people are what makes history so fascinating. We all learn about big events and ways empires were formed but we rarely learn about the people behind it, how they did it, and it puts perspective of how people's views have changed.

  • @klaudioabazi4478
    @klaudioabazi4478 Pƙed 2 lety +429

    Belisarius was quite a great general. Sadly because he lived in the aftermath of the fall of the western roman empire, he is highly underrated. But if it wasn't for Belisarius, there would never have been a Byzantine golden age.

    • @Dave_Sisson
      @Dave_Sisson Pƙed 2 lety +24

      Klaudio's statement is ridiculous, Belasarius is NOT underated, rather he is widely regarded as one of the greatest generals of ancient times, right up there with Julius Caesar and Hannibal Barca.

    • @klaudioabazi4478
      @klaudioabazi4478 Pƙed 2 lety +32

      @@Dave_Sisson Sorry Bro but he is underrated. There are very few books on him, and he is almost never mentioned on lists of greatest military commanders. I think he was one of the best, but my statement is not ridiculous, he is underrated.

    • @archivesoffantasy5560
      @archivesoffantasy5560 Pƙed 2 lety +6

      @@Dave_Sisson “three greatest generals of ancient times”
      - doesn’t mention Alexander or scipio ?

    • @donarw1064
      @donarw1064 Pƙed 2 lety +1

      @Senna Cenna nothing "roman" about the Byzantine Empire , it was predominately Greek

    • @Dave_Sisson
      @Dave_Sisson Pƙed 2 lety +4

      @@archivesoffantasy5560 I wrote that post in 20 seconds and just chose the first couple of famous ancient generals that came into my head to say Belasarius has the same level of respect, I wrote "THE greatest", not "three", so of course I'm not excluding Scipio or Alexander.

  • @PakBallandSami
    @PakBallandSami Pƙed 2 lety +139

    „For not by numbers of men, nor by measure of body, but by valor of soul is war to be decided.“
    - Belisarius

  • @danielconde13
    @danielconde13 Pƙed 2 lety +133

    Procopius' accounts over the famin were haunting... Very well done to include them in the episode; these vivid words of someone who witnessed such tragedy are a remind to us all of what is war beyond the romance of tactics and heroic feats.

    • @paprskomet
      @paprskomet Pƙed 2 lety +13

      It was probably the worst famine in Italy ever.Thus it is remembered until today.

    • @user-wl2rb3rh5c
      @user-wl2rb3rh5c Pƙed 5 měsĂ­ci

      ​@@paprskomet
      Think the famine could have worsened the spread of the plague later on?

  • @napoleonibonaparte7198
    @napoleonibonaparte7198 Pƙed 2 lety +469

    It’s interesting that the Romans still saw the Empire as a Republic. I assume this is because of the etymology of the title of Emperor, meaning, “1st Citizen”, as well as the Senate’s existence contributing to the view.

    • @prs_81
      @prs_81 Pƙed 2 lety +102

      Yep. They still mask the half assed monarchy as a republic, lol. This mindset is one of the most unique things about Romans; they never truly embraced monarchy in their minds, at least not for a while later. Though one can also argue that overtime the definition of "Res Publica" had shifted and tilted towards a more authoritarian form as a result of centuries of imperial rule.

    • @thraling
      @thraling Pƙed 2 lety +72

      "1st" is the title of "Princeps". "Emperor" means "commandant". "Res Publica" can be translated as "State" more than a type of government.

    • @AKAZA-kq8jd
      @AKAZA-kq8jd Pƙed 2 lety +37

      Unfortunately, that tittle dose not even exist anymore its now Dominus or 'lord' change by Diocletian in 286AD

    • @Hugh_Morris
      @Hugh_Morris Pƙed 2 lety +22

      Yes as people have said, Republic meant something very different in this time compared to the old Republic BC.

    • @Hugh_Morris
      @Hugh_Morris Pƙed 2 lety +33

      It's worth listening to the History of Byzantium podcast to learn more about how the Romans saw their government at this stage. It's maybe the most unique system in western history; an absolute monarchy, but when the dynasty is deposed the state acts as a republic to elect a new ruling dynasty.

  • @whollibaugh
    @whollibaugh Pƙed 2 lety +157

    Crazy how Milian was so far away, yet went back to the Empire.

    • @AdrianDanielGuard
      @AdrianDanielGuard Pƙed 2 lety +32

      People with a great vision. Too bad John was so stubborn.

    • @cudanmang_theog
      @cudanmang_theog Pƙed 2 lety +3

      The Chinggisid conquest began with 1,2 million tribesmen and 105,000 able troops according to Secret History. Yet they conquered lands and empires thousand miles away Qaraqorum that like 20x Mongol strength in a very short period of time in annihilation style. 92,000 Mongols wiped out the entire army of 650,000 Jurchens in 1211-1214. Belisarius was like a mosquito compared to Sube'etei and Chinggis.

    • @kaustubhlunawat7827
      @kaustubhlunawat7827 Pƙed 2 lety +40

      @@cudanmang_theog Yet Mongolia is nothing but space between China and Russia now. Nothing significant.

    • @user-oh6eg4ny3h
      @user-oh6eg4ny3h Pƙed 2 lety +6

      In my opinion going sending a small number of troops to milian bordering another power in the Gaul region behind enemy lines is dangerous and near suicidal. I wouldnt send men to a potential mission out of the reach of my main army. Belisareus should’ve just took care of Italy and then snag milian with his army there. It’s one thing to send small troops to do hit and run or disrupt supply lines but to occupy a city with a small army out of the reach of the main army is not a smart strategy. I know disagreements with John led to a tragedy but I wouldn’t take a city without my main army being near by to support it incase of trouble

    • @madhurawat155
      @madhurawat155 Pƙed 2 lety +5

      @@user-oh6eg4ny3h If I were in Belisarius' place, I would've stepped down the moment Justinian announced his plan.
      Just imagine how overconfident he would've been that he chose to send Belisarius with 10000 men against 40000 enemies without trying to sow internal divisions, without providing him complete authority over his army and with North Africa still prone to rebellion.
      If I were in Justinian's place, I would've just tried to acquire Sicily and some other strategic places, while installing an allied king on the Ostrogothic throne.

  • @danielechebarria8733
    @danielechebarria8733 Pƙed 2 lety +41

    As ever, it's the common man who suffers and dies in the wars. RIP to the untold hundreds of millions of farmers, fishermen, and other non-combatants who lost their lives because generals, kings, and emperors had to have glory and power.

    • @Hope-Truth-Light
      @Hope-Truth-Light Pƙed 2 lety +8

      As much as I love hearing about people like Alexander, Belisarius and Genghis Khan you're right. The common man was treated terribly by the hands of violent men in power.

    • @romanempire4495
      @romanempire4495 Pƙed 2 lety +4

      Lol no, generals suffered and died in war, too, not Belisarius but that's not his fault. But about Decius and his son Herennius Etruscus who both died in battle at Abritus in 253? Or what about Valerian who was captured at Edessa in 260? And he suffered horrible treatment by the Persians. That's just two examples from Ancient Roman history.

    • @randombrit4504
      @randombrit4504 Pƙed 2 lety

      @@danielprado3611 There is no disrespect to say that man suffers in war. What of every common man who died in his conquests? Or the soldiers forced to march, quite literally, to another continent because of his ambition?

    • @earthman7088
      @earthman7088 Pƙed rokem +1

      @@danielprado3611 Alexander was a great tactician and strategist but he definitely razed cities and enslaved people. Not the greatest humanitarian. He also had a ego through the roof. There are a lot of people that suffered from his ambitions.

  • @denizonder6395
    @denizonder6395 Pƙed 2 lety +63

    Incredibly nice of you to add 15 subtitles compared to many History channels Thank you

  • @Saeronor
    @Saeronor Pƙed 2 lety +26

    Imagine being one of those two Goths traveling to Persia and seeing more world than your entire generation probably would. And all of that while acting in a spy movie.

  • @frederickiiprussia7699
    @frederickiiprussia7699 Pƙed 2 lety +96

    Once again, Epic History TV shines light on another underappreciated era of history where we can envision these great figures and states
    Excellent job in the animation and outstanding narration; you will be the next source of historical education at this rate.
    Keep it up!

  • @tomweiss9600
    @tomweiss9600 Pƙed 2 lety +22

    Love it. Amazing how your storytelling makes me wonder, "what happens next?" when the ending has been known for 1,500 years.

  • @misterangel8486
    @misterangel8486 Pƙed 2 lety +78

    Been waiting with anticipation for this one.
    These Belisarius series are insanely good.👌
    Thank you very much. 😎👍

    • @skyhappy
      @skyhappy Pƙed 2 lety +1

      Btw there are 10 other comments saying the same thing as your comment

  • @lordtyrus1
    @lordtyrus1 Pƙed 2 lety +17

    Dude Belisarius is so loyal. Justinian was so lucky to have him

  • @themosticonicscenesinmovie8737

    The voice of the narrator is sooo epic! It makes me hungry fo new videos. I love to rewatch the Napoleon series just because this voice. There is no other channel with such classy narrator, not even the Kings and Generals

  • @onetwothreefourfive12345
    @onetwothreefourfive12345 Pƙed 2 lety +68

    Damn John is even worse than I thought. He didn't seem like much of a moron in the last episode, but wow he was insufferable. Blame definitely goes to Justinian for not making command clear cut enough, but I definitely understand why he wouldn't.

    • @justinian-the-great
      @justinian-the-great Pƙed 2 lety +33

      Ironically, John was a rather capable commander overall, or at least he was considered such by his contemporaries. But he had the unfortunate fate that it would be his failures to be remembered far more than his successes.

    • @archivesoffantasy5560
      @archivesoffantasy5560 Pƙed 2 lety +5

      10:16 isn’t this letter clear enough ?

    • @anduinlothar4003
      @anduinlothar4003 Pƙed 2 lety +8

      John have a big ego

    • @onetwothreefourfive12345
      @onetwothreefourfive12345 Pƙed 2 lety +1

      @@archivesoffantasy5560 No actually, because it leaves the small technicality "in the interest of our republic", which allows Narses to ignore Belisarius's orders based on his personal opinions, if he wants to. But you could argue that this was unintentional on Justinian's part. It's hard to say though.

    • @onetwothreefourfive12345
      @onetwothreefourfive12345 Pƙed 2 lety +6

      @@justinian-the-great Yeah I got the sense he was at least competent based on last episode but it just seems like he really let his petty feelings negatively affect the campaign, and exacerbated the lack of cohesion of the army

  • @thomasbuck303
    @thomasbuck303 Pƙed 2 lety +6

    First Good General: "Yes great plan, although mine differs slightly from yours..."
    Second Good General: And that's when I stopped listening.

  • @blakejessop6995
    @blakejessop6995 Pƙed 2 lety +24

    You have really blown me away with this series! Absolutely fantastic work!!

  • @yuribrito1504
    @yuribrito1504 Pƙed 2 lety +32

    Great Video!
    Both Justinian and Belisarius, in my historical analysis, really deserve the title of VLTIMVS ROMANORVM ("the last of the Romans"), including also the generals Mundus (who reconquered Dalmatia) and Narses (who replaced Belisarius in Italy).
    After the campaigns carried out by Belisarius (ΒΔλÎčÏƒÎŹÏÎčÎżÏ‚), Justinian regained altogether 6 (six) former provinces of the Western Roman Empire (Pars Occidentalis): Africa Proconsularis (current Tunisia), which had been under Vandal control since the early 5th century AD (as this channel already mentioned it); Sicily (ÎŁÎčÎșΔλία), which also had been under Vandal control since the 5th century; Dalmatia (current Croatia), which was conquered by General Mundus (ÎœÎżÏÎœÎŽÎżÏ‚); Sardinia et Corsica (Sardinia and Corsica), which were seized by the Byzantines after Belisarius' brilliant victory at the Battle of Tricamarum (533); Mauritania Tingitana (modern Morocco); and, of course, Italy itself (ITALIA), which was the so-called "ruler of the provinces" (DOMINA PROVINCIARVM).
    Rome itself, the "queen of Italy" (Regina Italiae), as I like to call it, was conquered by Belisarius in 537.
    Note: Yes, Hagia Sophia was completed in the exact SAME year that Rome was recaptured by Belisarius' troops (537)!
    Italy, including Rome itself, was under "Barbarian" control since 476 AD, more precisely when Romulus Augustus, the last Roman Emperor of the West, was deposed by Odoacer. Rome, in turn, had been under Ostrogothic control since 493 AD! The Byzantine/Roman reconquest of Italy during the Gothic War, therefore, was EXTREMELY significative and symbolic.
    The Byzantine conquest of Rome was undoubtedly the greatest triumph of Justinian's foreign policy (RENOVATIO IMPERII).
    The message was quite clear: Italy, which was once considered the "queen of the world" (RECTRIX MVNDI); the "ruler of the provinces" (DOMINA PROVINCIARVM) and the "motherland of all lands" (OMNIVM TERRARVM PARENS); was reconquered and regained by the TRUE heirs of the Roman Empire!
    Moreover, Justinian also conquered a small part of the Iberian Peninsula (Hispania), more precisely the former Roman province of Hispania Baetica (modern Andalusia), including the city of CĂłrdoba itself (CORDVBA), which was both the capital of Hispania Baetica and the birthplace of Seneca. Altogether, the Byzantines conquered considerable portions of the modern Andalusian provinces of CĂłrdoba, Seville, CĂĄdiz, MĂĄlaga and Granada.
    In fact, Justinian wanted a unified and centralized Roman Empire, whose territory, in turn, should stretch from HISPANIA (Iberian Peninsula) to Mesopotamia (Iraq); from the Strait of Gibraltar (FRETVM HERCVLEVM) to the Black Sea (PONTVS EVXINVS); and, lastly, from BRITANNIA (England) to ARABIA PETRAEA (current Jordan, Sinai Peninsula and Saudi Arabia); covering Egypt (AEGYPTVS), SYRIA PALAESTINA (former Judea/IVDAEA), which covered the modern territories of Israel, Syria and Lebanon; CYRENAICA (current Libya); Africa Proconsularis (current Tunisia), Sicily (SICILIA) and, of course, Italy itself. Justinian, in other words, simply desired to restore the power of Trajan's Rome!
    And... he almost accomplished this feat! No wonder he is considered "the last of the Romans" (VLTIMVS ROMANORVM).

    • @reneepop1017
      @reneepop1017 Pƙed 2 lety +3

      I like how you used the Greek (or Latin? I don’t know) names for the provinces and names. If only John wasn’t insubordinate


    • @Anonymous07192
      @Anonymous07192 Pƙed 2 lety +5

      I respect your opinion. But Constantine XI will always be the last Roman in my heart. :,(

    • @mchanson9332
      @mchanson9332 Pƙed 2 lety +1

      The "Byzantines" never considered themselves to be the "heirs of the Roman Empire", they were the Imperium Romanum in an unbroken line. An image that was also widely accepted in the rest of Europe at least up until Charles the Greats imperial coronation.

  • @crazynelson97
    @crazynelson97 Pƙed 2 lety +23

    this is the best history channel ever by far. There is no comparison đŸ™ŒđŸŸ

  • @thehistorybard6333
    @thehistorybard6333 Pƙed 2 lety +5

    This channel is not only as good as but actually better than most paid documentaries. Love your videos so much! This Belisarius series has been mindblowingly good. Thanks for all your work!

  • @Nonamearisto
    @Nonamearisto Pƙed 2 lety +15

    The "unbiased history" video actually isn't far off from what happened. I'm pretty sure the (ultimately failed) Ostrogothic resurgence wasn't due to Satan raising them as an army of skeletons, though.

  • @ioannisbougios1451
    @ioannisbougios1451 Pƙed 2 lety +7

    Belissarius, being a part of the "new people"(novi homini) class, was always met with distrust and hindering from the aristocracy. Did the most with whatever he was given and there are recordings of him giving a lot back to his veterans and the peasants. The way not only his peers and emperor, but also history in general underappreciated the man says a lot about the fate of true heroes. He was the real Jon Snow

  • @AlexHellene
    @AlexHellene Pƙed 2 lety +29

    Another great video on the ''Eastern'' Roman Empire and Belisarius - A somewhat what under spoken about period in history. This is a winner.
    Also good to see the correct terminology is being used, ''Romans'' & ''Roman Empire'', rather than ''Byzantine'', which was never used until modern times.

    • @timothylee2772
      @timothylee2772 Pƙed 2 lety +2

      I've never heard any movies about him, do you? They should make a movie about Justinian and Belisarius.

    • @AlexHellene
      @AlexHellene Pƙed 2 lety +4

      @@timothylee2772 Nah, they haven't made any on the ''Eastern'' Roman Empire at all. The closest was, ''Rise of Empires - The Ottomans'', which was a good series, on the last days of the Roman Empire just before Constantinople fell.

    • @hattorihaso2579
      @hattorihaso2579 Pƙed 2 lety

      Macedonia isnt greek

    • @AlexHellene
      @AlexHellene Pƙed 2 lety +1

      @@hattorihaso2579 Actually it is. Please read a history book, before making unintelligent comments on the subject.

    • @hattorihaso2579
      @hattorihaso2579 Pƙed 2 lety

      @@AlexHellene it wasnt

  • @spencertherren6806
    @spencertherren6806 Pƙed 2 lety +22

    I consume a massive amount of historical and military documentaries. I've come to believe that Epic History truly is the best.✌đŸ‡ș🇾

  • @justinian-the-great
    @justinian-the-great Pƙed 2 lety +31

    Excellently done video, as always. This period is the one to change the fate of the rest of the Justinian's reign and perhaps even the history of the Eastern Roman Empire as a whole. Because when Belisarius refused Justinian's peace proposal with Ostrogoths, he unknowingly prolonged this war for almost two decades, where Empire would have to spend enormous resources to finish it. Also, I'm glad that you mentioned building of Hagia Sophia, since its construction is a landmark in history of architecture.
    Also, I hope that, even though it's outside Belisarius's personal story, you mention what happened with Narses and his various military victories.

    • @dap1453
      @dap1453 Pƙed 2 lety +7

      Even if Belisarius had accepted Justinian's peace proposal and it had been signed as intended, it is unlikely that there would have been lasting peace. The Goths would have been sorely tempted to resume the war on their own terms once the Romans were embroiled in the war with Persia.

  • @PakBallandSami
    @PakBallandSami Pƙed 2 lety +23

    i googled eunuch founded this and thought it was intersting so i guess fun fact: a eunuch is a man who has been castrated. Throughout history, castration often served a specific social function. The earliest records for intentional castration to produce eunuchs are from the umerian city of Lagash in the 2nd millennium BCE

  • @Belisarius1967
    @Belisarius1967 Pƙed 2 lety +4

    Why can't media companies with a thousand times Epic Historys budget produce series as good as this ? They should be forced to watch and hold their heads in shame.

  • @mahadlodhi
    @mahadlodhi Pƙed 2 lety +8

    This was just brilliantly done. Thank you to EHTV as always

  • @andreasfoerster772
    @andreasfoerster772 Pƙed 2 lety +11

    You guys are easily my favourite channel on CZcams!!! Keep up the great work, us history buffs are so lucky to have you!!! In the future, please consider doing a series on Frederick the Great; but whatever topic you choose next, you can sure I’ll be watching and loving it!

  • @michaelscott5653
    @michaelscott5653 Pƙed 2 lety +5

    Absolutely brilliant narration and graphics as always, I'm very much looking forward to the next Belisarius video!

  • @ModernGamesSuck
    @ModernGamesSuck Pƙed 2 lety +2

    14:55
    Theodebert: "I'M GONNA FIGHT EVERYONE!"
    "Wait, there's no food here? Aaight, Imma head out"

  • @aGr3atD4y
    @aGr3atD4y Pƙed rokem +4

    If there are any channel that live up to their names, its this one. Every segment of history portrayed here, truly is, EPIC!

  • @anonymouscommenter7578
    @anonymouscommenter7578 Pƙed 2 lety

    These are honestly the best documentaries on the topics I have ever seen. The production quality, balance between history and tension, the music, the character building. It makes them such a joy to watch.

  • @unbroken1570
    @unbroken1570 Pƙed 2 lety +2

    There is immense amount of epic in this video! Thank you for these amazing work!

  • @potemkin8606
    @potemkin8606 Pƙed 2 lety +2

    Great documentary thank you very much Epic HistoryTV! Keep up the good work!

  • @benjaminrobbins8458
    @benjaminrobbins8458 Pƙed 2 lety +10

    Love this series. Belisarius is one of my favorite characters from history. I remember reading about his victory at Rome in the book Tactical Genius in Battle when I was like 10 or 11. Thanks for doing this one

  • @AKAZA-kq8jd
    @AKAZA-kq8jd Pƙed 2 lety +8

    Just phenomenal story to tell. Now Epic history I challenge you to make videos about Scipio Africanus in the days of the Roman Republic.

  • @foreverraining1522
    @foreverraining1522 Pƙed 2 lety

    This is the best series on the subject. Extremely well done! Thank you.

  • @vattghern257
    @vattghern257 Pƙed 2 lety +4

    The Job of this channel is great. The times in which noone dives on history lectures make it much more intresting to watch

  • @thenewcaesar9866
    @thenewcaesar9866 Pƙed 2 lety

    Love how you get us hooked and show what's to come in the next episode great narration

  • @christosntapsis1464
    @christosntapsis1464 Pƙed 2 lety +7

    Amazing content! The best channel on youtube from a fellow history nerd! keep up the great work!

  • @jansmigiel6592
    @jansmigiel6592 Pƙed 2 lety +2

    Great video again. I'm entirely looking forward for more Belisarius and Napoleon of course content!

  • @onetwothreefourfive12345
    @onetwothreefourfive12345 Pƙed 2 lety +7

    6:25 I love this art work!!! Depicts it exactly how I'd imagine it

    • @paprskomet
      @paprskomet Pƙed 2 lety

      Narses looks much younger than he would be though.

  • @luffyseyepatch7952
    @luffyseyepatch7952 Pƙed 2 lety +3

    Music + tone +choice of words + great images = great story telling as alwaysđŸ”„đŸ”„đŸ”„đŸ”„

  • @mali15j
    @mali15j Pƙed 2 lety

    Thank you again Epic History. No one in youtube makes such good documentary than yours. I literally get goose bumps with excitement and joy while watching your videos. My only request is if you can make videos more often! You would be the king of history documentary!!

  • @zwip778
    @zwip778 Pƙed 2 lety

    Best channel for this type of documentary! Thank you, amazing video

  • @manuelapollo7988
    @manuelapollo7988 Pƙed 2 lety +19

    Such a great work! How many times Milan has been destoyed, and how many times it was reborn from the ashes as the greatest city of Italy.

    • @dale6947
      @dale6947 Pƙed 2 lety +7

      Found the Lombard

  • @ArchonShon
    @ArchonShon Pƙed 2 lety +1

    The artwork and narration is top notch as usual!

  • @stuart1346
    @stuart1346 Pƙed 2 lety +78

    As brilliant as always can’t wait for more. Did you ever consider mentioning the volcanic eruption of 535 which led to worldwide famines and climate change which must have had huge repercussions on the war in Italy?

    • @EpichistoryTv
      @EpichistoryTv  Pƙed 2 lety +59

      Thank you! The eruption will get a mention in the next episode, in the context of the plague, but I think most historians are very unsure of its impact.

    • @johnpijano4786
      @johnpijano4786 Pƙed 2 lety +3

      @@EpichistoryTv Yeah. Cause funny thing, the Volcano's impact is shown in total war attlia's The Last Roman DLC

    • @dap1453
      @dap1453 Pƙed 2 lety +8

      The eruption took place probably in 536. Strangely, our best primary sources on the war in Italy do not mention the eruption having an impact on the war in Italy. I agree that, intuitively, it seems it should have mattered. But we have no evidence for how it mattered. Presumably it at least contributed to a poor growing season and a shortfall in foodstuffs.

  • @paulcormon6765
    @paulcormon6765 Pƙed 2 lety +1

    Awesome, this documentary is so interesting! Thanks for your contribution! You're making the difference on the teaching of History.

  • @Mr.PepeSilvia
    @Mr.PepeSilvia Pƙed 2 lety +4

    Extremely well done, much appreciated 👍

  • @qboxer
    @qboxer Pƙed 2 lety +1

    Excellent series and really outstanding animation. Looking forward to the next installment!

  • @KHK001
    @KHK001 Pƙed 2 lety +2

    An amazing work EHTV! as always

  • @PakBallandSami
    @PakBallandSami Pƙed 2 lety +4

    Belisarius sounds like a mad lad

  • @SD-wm6mr
    @SD-wm6mr Pƙed 2 lety

    You guys did an amazing job making this video. congrats to all that helped make this video

  • @dogmiertwitchtv2325
    @dogmiertwitchtv2325 Pƙed 2 lety +1

    Amazing as always guys!!!!! Really love every video, keep it up.

  • @drebue7065
    @drebue7065 Pƙed 2 lety +3

    I waited so long for this and it's totally worth it!

  • @theodorosgkountoulidis2385
    @theodorosgkountoulidis2385 Pƙed 2 lety +32

    Amazing content as always!
    Epic History TV > Netflix :D

  • @infernoschmidt3
    @infernoschmidt3 Pƙed 2 lety

    Your videos are always so well-done! Keep on the good work!

  • @Ujio1140
    @Ujio1140 Pƙed 2 lety

    Amazing production value and narration! Keep up the great work!

    • @theodorospadelidis6537
      @theodorospadelidis6537 Pƙed rokem

      i own greek cultural tradtional historical discord server if you want to join send me your discord or email

  • @romainvicta396
    @romainvicta396 Pƙed 2 lety +1

    Interesting and mysterious as always can't wait for the next episode!

  • @user-oh6eg4ny3h
    @user-oh6eg4ny3h Pƙed 2 lety +17

    The quote too many chefs messes with the good pot or somthing like that meshes well here. Can’t have to many ego commanders. You need one supreme commander otherwise there’s gonna be misunderstandings.
    For example having a committee run organization can never operate cause you’ll have no one agree on anything and nothing gets accomplished. You need one man in charge that’s popularly picked to run it and everything falls in. Justinian miscalculated here. If he was really concerned about bellsarius betraying him he should’ve just had a spy network on him just to make sure he’s not showing disloyalty.
    Also Justinian let his dreams and ambitions get the better of him. By focusing on Italy he neglected the east where khosrow knew he was weak. Justinian in my opinion should’ve either worked on making a Alliance with Persia even though that sounds far fetched or just focus on beating him cause he stretched his forces to far out. Going as far as Spain. Once he died Persia would take more swipes at the Byzantines and both would end up being overwhelmed by the up in coming Muslims

  • @yuichirohyakuya1866
    @yuichirohyakuya1866 Pƙed 2 lety

    We're so blessed that this channel gives us amazing videos for free

  • @mau345
    @mau345 Pƙed 2 lety

    This made me so happy and looking much forward to the next.

  • @Eazy-ERyder
    @Eazy-ERyder Pƙed 10 měsĂ­ci +1

    I truly love these. As one who appreciates Roman History this is an absolutely great series.

  • @mohit13reddy
    @mohit13reddy Pƙed 2 lety

    The entire series is a work of art.

  • @stinknugget6446
    @stinknugget6446 Pƙed 2 lety

    Amazing content, best I've seen on CZcams or any history channel.

  • @cjthegood
    @cjthegood Pƙed 2 lety

    You have two series that made me love your channel, NAPOLEON and BELISARIUS. Still, every content you post entices me to remain subscribed.

  • @yamoyum
    @yamoyum Pƙed 2 lety +1

    Yes! More quality from my favorite youtube channel💯💯

  • @Helskrim
    @Helskrim Pƙed 2 lety +9

    What I concluded from these 4 parts is how incompentent and disorganized Germanic tribes were, both Ostrogoths and Vandals missed so many opportunities to take advantage and exploit as narrator mentioned many Roman mistakes, it's incredible how such a small force of Belisarius managed to break two bigger armies despite roman army having issues with chain of command.

  • @jameseyyysgaming3951
    @jameseyyysgaming3951 Pƙed 2 lety

    Yes, been waiting for this, thank you 🙏

  • @vw5471
    @vw5471 Pƙed rokem +1

    One of the greatest contributions to human kind..your channel

  • @RedwihteGame
    @RedwihteGame Pƙed 2 lety

    Excellent video, thank you for making it!

  • @megabboy
    @megabboy Pƙed 2 lety +2

    What a great video!!!
    keep on the good work!!!

  • @seamonster936
    @seamonster936 Pƙed 2 lety

    Eagerly anticipated. As always Epic History TV delivers.

  • @joseignaciochavez167
    @joseignaciochavez167 Pƙed 2 lety +1

    This series are too good to be true, continue the hard work!!!

  • @Gokkee
    @Gokkee Pƙed 2 lety +3

    Best history Channel on CZcams 👌
    I recommend you to be used by history teachers whenever I can :)

  • @sendapez
    @sendapez Pƙed 4 měsĂ­ci

    This was amazing. So entertaining. Thank you.

  • @chief9mm822
    @chief9mm822 Pƙed 2 lety +1

    Greatest history channel I’ve ever seen. Glorious

  • @jeffgould4541
    @jeffgould4541 Pƙed 2 lety +2

    Love this channel!! Wish there was a new video every week thou. Very entertaining!!!

  • @therealpianofairy
    @therealpianofairy Pƙed 2 lety

    Probably my favourite historical retelling to date

  • @luciusael
    @luciusael Pƙed 2 lety +11

    My God, the ending with Khosroe, was an epic cliffhanger...😄

  • @Oblivion889
    @Oblivion889 Pƙed 2 lety

    Epic history, always, hits us, with these great videos.

  • @jupiter242
    @jupiter242 Pƙed 2 lety +2

    Shout out to the team effort behind this videos👌

  • @h8haz
    @h8haz Pƙed 2 lety +1

    Love this belisarius series! Truly a great Roman general to admire

  • @brokenbridge6316
    @brokenbridge6316 Pƙed 2 lety

    This keeps on getting better n better. Great video.

  • @luisa.melendezalbizu4459
    @luisa.melendezalbizu4459 Pƙed 2 lety

    Excellent Series of Documentaries. As excellent as the one on Napoleon. Thank you very, very much.

  • @86godhand
    @86godhand Pƙed 2 lety

    I am truly so hyped for you guys to do at least one video on king Totila and how he took back the Italian peninsula with great kindness humanity and amazing military tactics

    • @paprskomet
      @paprskomet Pƙed 2 lety

      His humanity also had its limits and was mainly motivated by constantly lacking troops and money.He desperately needed support of western Romans(italics) so he strategically acted accordingly.

  • @nazgulring8636
    @nazgulring8636 Pƙed 2 lety +2

    Love this series !!! Amazing video 👍

  • @faisal5367
    @faisal5367 Pƙed 2 lety

    Once again you guys have did a great job! Amazing, congratulation! keep it up yeah

  • @markjarrett9400
    @markjarrett9400 Pƙed 2 lety

    This is an amazing series. Thank you

  • @jordanmichael4228
    @jordanmichael4228 Pƙed rokem

    Greatest series ever. Never stop making videos !

  • @aymanebouhout118
    @aymanebouhout118 Pƙed 2 lety +12

    Belisarius is one of the most underrated generals in history