Battle for the East - How did Heraclius restore the Byzantine Empire? - Medieval History DOCUMENTARY
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- čas přidán 17. 03. 2022
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🚩 Heraclius’ campaigns are an example of an indirect approach to war strategy. And although his gains would be swiftly lost in the wake of the Muslim Conquest, the method by which they were achieved would remain a point of pride in Byzantine military history.
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🚩 This video was made in collaboration with Strategy Stuff / @strategystuff Check out their channel and give them the credit that they deserve.
📢 Narrated by David McCallion
🎵 Music:
EpidemicSound www.epidemicsound.com/
📜 Sources:
Howard-Johnston J. The Last Great War of Antiquity. Oxford University Press 2021.
Kaegi W. Heraclius Emperor of Byzantium. Cambridge University Press 2003.
Daryaee T. Sasanian Persia. IB Tauris 2009.
Kaegi W. Byzantine Military Unrest 471-843. Adolf M Hakkert 1981.
Kardaras G. Byzantium and the Avars, 6th-9th Century AD. Brill 2019.
Luttwak E. The Grand Strategy of the Byzantine Empire. Belknap Press of Harvard University Press 2009.
Pohl W. The Avars. Cornell University Press 2018.
Pourshariati P. Decline and Fall of the Sasanian Empire. IB Tauris 2008.
Reinink G, Stolte B (eds.). The Reign of Heraclius (610-641). Peeters 2002.
Maksymiuk K. Geography of Roman-Iranian Wars. Uniwersytet Przyrodniczo-Humanistyczny w Siedlcach, Siedlce 2015.
Greatrex G, Lieu S. The Roman Eastern Frontier and the Persian Wars: Part II AD 363-630. Routledge 2002.
#heraclius #documentary #historymarche
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🚩 Heraclius’ campaigns are an example of an indirect approach to war strategy. And although his gains would be swiftly lost in the wake of the Muslim Conquest, the method by which they were achieved would remain a point of pride in Byzantine military history.
🚩 This video was made in collaboration with Strategy Stuff czcams.com/channels/Jn_zQa80o1l8FgAfVofHRQ.html Check out their channel and give them the credit that they deserve.
Please send me a message..
What Muslims did with these two empires 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Hah no wonder Tiflis held it was built really long time ago even before byzantium intervention into Caucasus I think even before the byzantiums existence and it was fortified because iberians/past Georgians had to fight many wars against enemys so they made sure their new capital whod be strong but Iberia still fell and others took it and because of territorial and strategical advantage the city gave it was made stronger by foreign force strong enough to repel many attacks thrown at it but of course it was Georgians who made that as strong as it was
Türkçe olması çok iyi
Each time when you say Byzantium, I have to vomit. Why can't you pronounce it correctly, eventhough your motherthongue is English.
It is important to point out that what Heraclius did was an all-in move. Byzantium had only one whole army left, and losing it would have probably meant the destruction of the Empire. The pressure on Heraclius must have been jsut incredible, every step had to work out perfectly or could have spelt doom for him and the whole Empire. And he managed not only to keep his last army together and motivated, but he defeated army after army and entered into the heartland of the Sassanids, winning over them.
Heraclius was of an Armenian 🇦🇲 origin ( Iranian/Parthian/Persian nobility )
I wonder what his army looked like during battle must have just dominated to go through so many armies so easily
Hoofdofficier
@@alimoradi8454 g
@@dustintacohands1107 I recommend Roman Heavy Cavalry(2) if ya wanna know what his cavalry and his own equipment looked like.
Such an underrated man. Even in Greece we don't learn about him at school like other great figures of our history. Probably the fact that his gains were lost immediately after from the Arabs played a part in that.
I agree with you 👍
He gave Syria and Egypt to the arabs, there was no arab conquest.Arabs were auxiliars of Heraclius.
@@ouss lol he did not give them. The Arabs won battles and took them by force until they were halted in Asia minor. They would have kept going of it weren't for that.
@@ouss
Lol what his interests to gave arabs egypt and levante ??..dont deny facts there was conquest and battlez
@@V-man117 they took asia minore and the east romans were romans not your history. Heraclius was Carthaginian the three walls in row are reason that city didn't fall for them it was almost destained
Amazing what Heraclius accomplished with what little resources he had available compared to his opposition. Although he appeared to be just one defeat away from his campaign collapsing. Definite 'do or die' scenario
Heraclius was of an Armenian 🇦🇲 origin ( Iranian/Parthian/Persian nobility )
He also have part of north africa
@@alimoradi8454
Armenian are not iranic
@@alimoradi8454 He was Carthaginian
@@Cancoillotteman he fought hard the early muslims but you can't defeat a group who defeated death itself.
Just to give more context to the Avar siege.
It is debated whether Heraclius actually send any cavalry to help the city or not because there's only one source that mentions it and even this source is a misplaced page in a chronicle that largely talks about something else.
The Avar supply problems where abysmal. So much so that they even had to pillage the local countryside and ask the Byzantines for grain. The Byzantines surprisingly gave some grain to the Avars most likely as a show of honor but also to boast, to showcase that they where so well supplied that they could give some of it out and could still withstand a long siege.
However, despite this, the Avars did not break the siege because of their supply problems but because they simply couldn't win after their Slavic navy was defeated in the Golden Horn. They literally got beaten by the Byzantines, even if the Avars didn't have supply problems they would have to withdraw either way as there was no winning with or without supplies.
It would have been an interesting outcome not having Khosrow preoccupied with Heraclius in the East and the Persians being able to breach the heavily defended Bosphorus and somehow ferry their troops on the opposite side. Perhaps we Balkaners would all speak Farsi and worship Ahura Mazda.
Heraclius was of an Armenian 🇦🇲 origin ( Iranian/Parthian/Persian nobility )
I think if the Persians managed to establish contact with the avars by sailing across the Bosporus there could have a way for the avars to take the city. Its not likely but given how even the famous city of Dara was taken two times speaks volumes of Persian siege knowledge. We see before that during the 4th century, the siege of Amida and Edessa demonstrates the impressiveness of Persian siege capabilities. In amida, Persian soldiers built a mound of dirt and different materials to reach across the walls and stack a bridge across was rather ingenious. At Edessa, we see Persians building a battering ram that smashed through one of the tower walls due to the inspecting and finding a weakness in the recently dried section.
Likewise in the 6th century Persian-Lazica wars, the city of Petra which was captured by the Persians held out for a long period of time and had built cisterns with multiple channels with water to flow through and despite efforts by the roman military to cut it, water still flowed to the city. The city was eventually captured but the Persians fought on without surrendering. Eventually burning to death by Roman soldiers setting many structures of the city on fire.
So I believe that the Avars may be able to take Constantinople if the Persians managed to link up with the avars.
Glad to see you here, Mr. M. Laser! It always leaves me in a good mood to see the enthusiasm in the CZcams community. Love your work. For history!
I cant see how they will take a city like Constantinople considering its defensives
Khosrow II was on the verge of achieving the long-held dream of the Sassanid and Parthian kings, namely the revival of the Achaemenid Empire, but his excessive pride and lack of proper planning for a decisive victory in the war destroyed all his achievements.
زدی به خال
Yeah he was waiting for the war score to reach 100% before sending a peace offer.
Heraklio just said fuck it took a bunch of Loan and debase currency and spam mercenaries till he won xD xD
@@andrews.5212 he did’t wait for perfection, the situation in Persia was far more difficult than in Greece, the turks were millions and migrated to Central Asia and northern Iran constantly beside the persians controlled a land thrice (not taking in count the newly conquered lands is Syria, palestine, Egypt and eastern anatolia) the size of the eastern Roman Empire
Not really, according to the Kayanid ideology of the Sassanids the Roman emperor was a descendant of Salm, one of the three sons of the legendary hero Fereydun, while Iraj was the ancestor of the Sasanian kings. This means that Roman emperor was both a brother and an enemy to the Sasanian king of kings, as Iraj was murdered by his brothers Salm and Tur.
@@shapuri478 Kayanid ideology became the official Sassanid ideology from the time of Yazdegerd II. The ideology of the early Sassanids and Parthians was based on the revival of the Achaemenid Empire. Roman historians have pointed out that Ardashir I and before him the Parthian kings sought to revive the Achaemenid Empire. Khosrow II also sought to further consolidate his power by combining the two ideologies.
What a heartbreak to strive so mightily to restore the empire only to see it taken away by a new enemy that seemingly came from nowhere.
The new enemy was fresh and motivated, whereas the Byzantines and the Persians were exhausted and depleted
Indeed if only both sides had found peace and not pillaged each other so much they were so weak to stop the spread of Islam just imagine history would have been so different if the Persians and Byzantines had stopped the Arabs
@@neemapaxima6116 it wasn't that simple it is true that byzantine and Sassanid Empire was it exhausting from wars. but that wasn't enough to be defeated by the arabs the byzantine and Sassanid still was superior to the arabs in term of manpower and equipments. there were a lot of time where the two empires was about defeated arabs in battles but somehow the Arabs find a new tactics that can turn the tide against them. if you watch the early islamic expansion you would understand that arabs didn't have a superior advantage over the two empire rather they were inferior in terms of numbers also in terms of economics and equipments they didn't have what was necessary to defeats the two empire. the only things that the arabs had was a great generals or one of the greatest of all.
@@hornerfarah2282 the Arabs also had unquestionably greater morale, the Persians, and especially Romans were tired of being taxed to poverty for endless wars, so when the Arabs came in and promised a tax break many cities caved without fighting. Had they not been generous, it's unlikely the Arabs would have won.
@@jeremiahblake3949 That's true. That seems one of many reasons Why the 2 empires lost against the arabs. Some people claims that the 2 empires was tired and exhausting from Wars against each other But it wasn't that the case.
The fact that eastern rome survived for 1000+ years despite being invaded by both east and west at the same time is impressive
Extremely underrated Empire. They were quite strong.
@@zippyparakeet1074 underrated?? My brother in christ its rome
@@Chaos.InsurgencyDeltaCommand If you think East Rome/Medieval Rome is as popular as Ancient Rome then you're deluded.
@@zippyparakeet1074 you literally meant to say "rome was underrated"
@@zippyparakeet1074 infact every rome is fairly known
If Heraclius had died Immediately after his reconquest, perhaps his ingenuity and brilliance in battle wouldn't be overshadowed by defeats to the Rashiduns. A man that many view with insignificance could've turned into a legend
But another way of looking at this would be, had he died early, he wouldn't have been able to save stabilize the Roman empire in the wake of the Arab conquests.
He may have been the one reason why the empire continued to thrive for centuries more after his death
@@theblackswordsman9951
The War of Ridda (632-633) 90% of the Arabs are against the Caliphate
Look for battles such as
Siege of Medina 632
The Battle of Al-Bazzakha
The Battle of Al-Batah 633
The Battle of Al-Yamamah 633
Heraclius is the very reason those regions were lost so I’m not sure his reputation would be spotless otherwise.
He is still portraited very favourably in Greek literature.
He didn’t die immediately after his reconquest. He died after rashidun conquest of the levant. Please learn history then speak.
Just imagine the stress on his shoulders. One wrong move.. one defeat and your whole way of life is GONE. Heraclius is amazing for what he accomplished. Truly under rated.
I remember reading this for the first time. I felt the desparation. There was hardly ever breathing space or a sign of relief. In a way, the byzantines had already lost. A last ditch attempt would be seen futile but Heraclius persevered and ultimately won the war. This plot is really similar to Infinity War-Endgame and ZSJL where heroes actually lost but made spectacular comebacks and that what makes a great story. Really appreciated making this.
*Roman
heraclius didn't win the war. The Persians did.
@@saeedvazirian cope
Always feel bad for Shahin. He was a man of honor and respected his enemies. When he captured Chalcedon in 615 heraclius held a personal conference with him and when Shahin saw him come he saluted him and accepted his offer to take an embassy to ctesiphon. when he died his body was kicked and humiliated by Khosrow when it arrived there.
Thank you for the nice words brother
khosrow was angry that his entire force was destroyed by Theodore but yeah whipping a corpse just shows how petty khosrow II was
A miracle mentioned in the Holy Qur’an. When the noble verse was revealed to the Messenger of God, may God’s prayers and peace be upon him, the Persians had defeated the Romans, and people at that time believed that it was impossible for the Roman Empire to win, but the Holy Qur’an brought a miracle, where God said: In the name of God the Merciful (The Romans have been defeated in the lowest part of the earth, and after their defeat they will be victorious in a few years. To God belongs the command before and after. And on that day the believers will rejoice in the victory of God. He gives victory to whomever He wills, and He is the Mighty, the Most Merciful.) God has mentioned that the fighting was in the lowest part of the earth, and modern science has now discovered that the sea The dead is the lowest place on earth, the place where the Romans and Persians fought, Glory be to God
@@abdelhakhadjadj9406 Whut
@@adinarapratama5607 I didn't understand what you mean
Beautifully done. Great job. An incredible feat by Heraclius. Deserves to be remembered.
Heraclius was of an Armenian 🇦🇲 origin ( Iranian/Parthian/Persian nobility )
Thank you very much!
@@alimoradi8454 such bullshit should not be allowed in the comment sections.
@@alimoradi8454 No, he was not. He was white and European an Arvanitis and Greek! And no Armenia 🤣🤣
A miracle mentioned in the Holy Qur’an. When the noble verse was revealed to the Messenger of God, may God’s prayers and peace be upon him, the Persians had defeated the Romans, and people at that time believed that it was impossible for the Roman Empire to win, but the Holy Qur’an brought a miracle, where God said: In the name of God the Merciful (The Romans have been defeated in the lowest part of the earth, and after their defeat they will be victorious in a few years. To God belongs the command before and after. And on that day the believers will rejoice in the victory of God. He gives victory to whomever He wills, and He is the Mighty, the Most Merciful.) God has mentioned that the fighting was in the lowest part of the earth, and modern science has now discovered that the sea The dead is the lowest place on earth, the place where the Romans and Persians fought, Glory be to God
Byzantium, seems to have the lucky stroke of whenever it seems to be on its deathbed of having a formidable and talented commander take the throne and save them from disaster and destruction and restore it back to a decent level of power and stability like Heraclius, Alexius Commenus, three warrior emperors of the Macedonian dynasty to name a few. Allowing it to live to fight another day, many times over...
also whenever they start recovering, another formidable enemy emerges (avars, muslims, seljuks...)
@@evranirnek True, though they always managed to survive and bounce back and weather said storms until the body blow of the fourth crusade and arrival of the ottomans.
Eastern Rome
@@nelsonr1467 Byzantium/Eastern Roman Empire its the same empire. Like saying tomatoes or tomatoes as the saying goes.
A miracle mentioned in the Holy Qur’an. When the noble verse was revealed to the Messenger of God, may God’s prayers and peace be upon him, the Persians had defeated the Romans, and people at that time believed that it was impossible for the Roman Empire to win, but the Holy Qur’an brought a miracle, where God said: In the name of God the Merciful (The Romans have been defeated in the lowest part of the earth, and after their defeat they will be victorious in a few years. To God belongs the command before and after. And on that day the believers will rejoice in the victory of God. He gives victory to whomever He wills, and He is the Mighty, the Most Merciful.) God has mentioned that the fighting was in the lowest part of the earth, and modern science has now discovered that the sea The dead is the lowest place on earth, the place where the Romans and Persians fought, Glory be to God
Fantastic video didn't know about Heraclius handling 3 Persian armies in one of the campaigns got to see why he is rated highly amongst byzantine emperors and generals
*Roman
Heraclius is one of those leaders where you feel he would've been hopeless in peace times. But somehow finds redemption in war times because it is both the only strategic option and a last resort to reshape his own legacy.
He was a ruler, not a leader. There is a difference between those. A leader asks and a ruler commands, sometimes with an iron-grip. Hate to have to post this comment.
Heraclius is that dude in a movie you constantly think: 'no way he's gonna make it', but he always does
This is excellent, your channel has improved even more over the last year! The collaboration in this video produced additional strategic insight.
A Byzantine-Turkish alliance that saves the empire. It’s always crazy to see how things turn out.
Not the same turks. Plus they are Romans.
Same thing happened with bulgars
Not the same Turks, totally different and probably hated each other.
Like who could have imagined that Anatolia would turn out to be more Roman than Rome itself (after fall of the western empire)
it is the same turks who migrated from asia with different path lol.
I haven't been able to watch the full video yet due to work but just wanted to say how absolutely amazing your animation looks. I mean it was really solid before but you've taken it to the next level. Love your content.
I recently found this channel. Excellent content! Very informative and well produced. Good job to everyone involved!
Great topic. Way more in depth then what I have time to explain in my survey class. I will need to share this one with my students.
Heraclius was of an Armenian 🇦🇲 origin ( Iranian/Parthian/Persian nobility )
Would be great to see some videos on how the Persians conquered all of those byzantine domains? Persia was obviously a huge, powerful and prestigious empire in its own right and I'd like to learn more about how they went about acquiring their victories and achievements much like the great series on Roman history would be good to see something similar for Persian history
@@yaqubebased1961 chill we cant lose any more history and important stuff dude
@@yaqubebased1961 you do what to islam 😂 I can gather all zoroastrians in what's group around world
A miracle mentioned in the Holy Qur’an. When the noble verse was revealed to the Messenger of God, may God’s prayers and peace be upon him, the Persians had defeated the Romans, and people at that time believed that it was impossible for the Roman Empire to win, but the Holy Qur’an brought a miracle, where God said: In the name of God the Merciful (The Romans have been defeated in the lowest part of the earth, and after their defeat they will be victorious in a few years. To God belongs the command before and after. And on that day the believers will rejoice in the victory of God. He gives victory to whomever He wills, and He is the Mighty, the Most Merciful.) God has mentioned that the fighting was in the lowest part of the earth, and modern science has now discovered that the sea The dead is the lowest place on earth, the place where the Romans and Persians fought, Glory be to God
LOVE your work team. Please keep doing what you're doing!
Very good quality, as expected from you. Great effort for publishing the sources
Quite amazing that The Byzantine Empire bounce back from
events that would have crippled any other nation.
Time and time again.
Indeed. And on this matter I've always been quite fascinated at how much of a powerhouse Anatolia was for the romans since they arrived there.
No matter the times, it always provided a good base of manpower, naval bases, excellent defenses and economy. It always remained loyal and sturdly resisted against parthians, persians, huns, goths, avars, slavs, bulgars, arabs, mongols and seljuks. And, ironically, the ones who screwed things over the most were the crusaders who came there "to help".
But even then they remained purple and even when Constantinople fell against the turks, they still had the north for a couple of years.
It's weird to think Anatolia was "roman" for way longer than the city of Rome itself.
wish it lived on
*Roman
They inherited that luck from the Old Roman republic itself.
Rome was sacked by the Gauls in 390 BC and that was mostly a death sentence to most aspiring city-states.
That Rome was able to recover and subjugate the entire Italian peninsula was a miracle of itself .
العرب فتحوا المناطق التي استعادها وهنا يعتبر انجازاته لا شيء لانه بالفعل خسر الشام ومصر امام الجيوش الإسلامية الغير مدرعة عكس الرومان
Love your channel! Have been following for years. Keep up all the great work!
Heraclius was of an Armenian 🇦🇲 origin ( Iranian/Parthian/Persian nobility )
Awesome! Thank you!
Hey ! I'm discovering the chanel, thank you for all, it's very good ! I like to see old campains tales on maps, it is easier to understand !
And for not being native english speaker, you speak so clearly, that subtitles are just bonuses :D
Thank you again !
I knew something great was coming, but I couldn't have imagined this. And with Strategy Stuff! Two absolutely brilliant channels working together to create a masterpiece. Great job! 👏
Thank you!
Awesome video! Thank you! Highly appreciate this! I've known a long time desperate the situation was for Heraclius to win against the Persians, but I haven't watched a video tackling about it in the history channels that I've watched in the past, until now. Thanks very much for this.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Please make more Videos about Heraclius, please!!
And keep up the outstanding work!!
Awesome video. This channel and kings and generals inspired me to start making my own strategy content. Super exited for what’s to come.
Heraclius was of an Armenian 🇦🇲 origin ( Iranian/Parthian/Persian nobility )
@@alimoradi8454 nice 👍
Had Heraclius not lived long enough to see islamic expansion, he eould have surely been counted amongst Legendary Roman Emperors
He should be. Even Hannibal considered great even though he lost everything in the end.
Him being the Emperor made the Muslims look OP.
@@user-dl5ln3wd6f more like kill steal.
Amazing video guys keep it up hope to see more videos jus like it great job
Thank you for including subtitles
I was hoping that someday you would make this video. This is soo good!
One of the best history contents online! Love this channel
Heraclius was of an Armenian 🇦🇲 origin ( Iranian/Parthian/Persian nobility )
@@alimoradi8454 can the channel delete this comment for spamming it OK every comment ?
Nice vid! Heraclius' campaigns are one of the most unique military victories, in large part because of their sheer tenacity. What happened to Khosrow was the norm for monarchs who tried to carry on unpopular wars against long odds, so to see Heraclius, in a far worse position, manage to keep both the throne and the army under his command when facing what looked like a profoundly hopeless situation is an incredibly rare sight. that he managed to actually justify the faith that was put in him for those campaigns, never losing a battle, responding ably and decisively to every setback and opportunity, is legendary.
His role in losing lands to the Caliphate is also overrated. He was too old at the time to lead troops in the same way, and didn't live long enough to enact his plans to recover the territories, which, based on his track record, likely would have succeeded. It's a tragedy that he had to see it happen, but it's unfair to think that he didn't have the skill to prevent it. What he lacked was the health and lifespan.
Sorry bud but making excuses is kinda pathetic, I'm one of the biggest supporters of the theory that if the Byzantine Empire was at it's peak the Arabs wouldn't have been able to obliterate them in battle after battle but it was at it's weakest in it's history at the time and it doesn't matter whether Heraclius was old or not he was going to get defeated why do you think his goal was to just end the war rather than winning it? Because if we actually look at it from a logical point of view nobody won this war the Persians won multiple battles in a row to gain lands then the Byzantines won multiple battles to restore them so either way the resources would've been depleted as hell, there's a reason why Heraclius didn't try as hard as the Sassanids to reclaim the lands he lost and it's because he knew that he exerted most of his energy against the Sassanids
@@williamrobert9898 no the Romans out numbered the Muslims in every battle and had better equipment. It wasn't a matter of resources. They had way more resources than the arabs
@@williamrobert9898 Kinda pathetic, eh? Do you begin all your posts with pointless insults? Grow up.
The rest of your post is also nonsense. Heraclius defeated the Persians, period. You are correct that he did not focus on reclaiming the lands, and that he didn't do so because he was resource poor compared to Khosrow by the time he took the throne, but that makes his eventual victory more impressive, not less. Just because the territorial outcome was a return to the status quo does not make it a stalemate. By the time Heraclius took charge, getting that territory back was incredibly unlikely, but he did, got his enemies to officially admit defeat, and ultimately plunged Persia into a civil war that would kill Khosrow. When your actions cause your enemy to die and his country to descend into chaos, that's victory, even if you choose not to take territory that would be a major drain to defend.
Besides that, the Romans had greater resources than the Arabs in the beginning, though the war with Persia had definitely left them weaker than ever before (aside from during that war of course). What they lacked was leadership (and also, they didn't have nearly the level of fortified border with Arabia that they did with Persia), which Heraclius or his heirs could have provided, had not concerns over his death (and soon after, his actual death) prevented him and his heirs from leaving the capital while the question of succession was in the air. Rome, including the Byzantine era, always had messy successions, and the fact that an active counterattack had to be scrapped on his death is a major direct and undeniable impact of his age upon the conflict.
@@scipioamericanus6711 Lol you called my comment nonsense but then proceeded to copy what I sad but in different wording which means you contradicted yourself so better luck next time and btw literally said from a logical point of view this war was a stalemate and I am correct since it is considered to be one. Period
@@MohamedRamadan-qi4hl But man would that be a sight to see. The legend from the Roman and the Muslim face off against each other. Like Hannibal and Scipio.
Your work is always well done. Thank you.
My 2 favorite military history channels teaming up? Lucky day!
Another great video! thanks for your hard work HM!
Heraclius was of an Armenian 🇦🇲 origin ( Iranian/Parthian/Persian nobility )
Glad you enjoy it!
If Yarmouk had gone a different way Heraclius would be remember as perhaps the all time greatest Roman emperor
Unfortunately he was facing one of the most veteran well trained armies of late antiquity and one of the best military commanders to walk the earth in khalid
The muslim army at the battle of Yarmouk was not better trained then the roman army.
It was strategy that led to a Muslim victory at Yarmouth not experience or training
He didn’t personally lead that army you know right.
Heracleus was expart in personal dual. He could be a great match against Khalid
It was will of Allah that muslims would win the battle
Great documentary of a relatively unknown, yet, very important war. Or wars.
watching your videos just makes me want to play the total war series such depth into these names of history. Fantastic channel
As a Vietnamese, I'm very, very curious to hear a lot of justifications from revisionists about the failures of both the Byzantine Empire and its Sasanian counterpart against the Arabs. According to them, all of the Arabs' successes were just luck because both their opponents were "exhausted and demoralized after a long conflict". I'm neutral about Muslims, yet I'd like to tell you that after a long war, your soldiers become hardened, bloodthirsty veterans and it only goes up from there with each conflict, not the other way around. Us Vietnamese went to formal war with the French for nearly 8 years (not counting a whole century of skirmishes/guerilla warfare before that). After that, the French retreated, cried and bitched the Americans to jump right in, and we went to another war for nearly 20 years against them with no issues. And just 3 years after that, the Khmer Rouge provoked us and we went to yet another war for 11 years with NO PROBLEM still. And DURING the time we battled the Cambodians, the Chinese declared war on us and we considered that double front stuff just business as usual, killing Chinese invaders for about 5 years.
Now I don't intend to brag about Vietnamese being superior to everyone else in terms of warfare, but I think instead of finding pathetically similar, convenient excuses for the losses of two empires (not one) against the Arabs, you just have to concede that they were better, since they went to CONCURRENT WAR against bigger opponents, and they also had THEIR OWN INTERNAL CONFLICTS to sort out.
Arabs had great strategists that made them win all their battles. Byzantium and Persia belittled the Arabs before they got handed by them. There was a Byzantine historian who said Byzantium does not deserve Jerusalem after their embarrassing defeat by the Muslims.
Exactly. Both the Byzantines and Sassanids were not as weak and defenseless as they are portrayed. Even if they were not at their prime, they were still formidable empires that put up a good fight. The excuse they use it that they just came out of a war before they were attacked, but the Arab Muslims were also putting down a peninsula wide rebellion against Islam right before they attacked both empires. If war weakened the empires what about the Caliphate? I think neither side was weak and this was a true war and the Arab Muslims came out on top because of their discipline and greater desire to fight and expand Islam. They weren't fighting for some emperor who will take all the glory but for themselves and their religion.
@@lmnop286 you are massively overestimating how much the common soldiers would've actually known about islam in these first years
ok so first
1. the sassanids were already on the verge of complete collapse by 632, they had a massive plague outbreak, civil war and turkish invasions from the north which completely tore their country apart and by 632 they were left with a weak puppet shah and half the country's nobility were no longer listening to the central government
2. the byzantine victorious army (which would've been quite small) was dispersed across the empire in smaller field armies after the victory, and there's absolutely no indication that any of these veterans were still in the army when the arabs arrived, remember along with the army of oriens (which would've faced the arabs) they also had field armies for armenia, thrace and forces specifically for defending the capital which heraclius re-instituted after the war
3. even though the byzantines won the war and didn't fall into the same chaotic spiral as the sassanids, they had no money since he had to repay debt taken from the church so had to bring in austerity measures since as far as he knew the empire had a period of peace and respite ahead of it which made raising and assembling new forces more difficult
4. if all you know of the conquests are from youtube videos then they probably take the 9th century muslim sources at face value, which you should not do
@@hegantank6495 They only need to know the basics. Islam was mostly an oral religion in the early days. Not everyone could get a copy of the Qur'an so they memorize and recite it from memory. Even to this day Muslims memorize the Qur'an and recite it in prayers.
this video has stuningly got me immersed from the the very beginning! much better than any movie today
Heraclius was of an Armenian 🇦🇲 origin ( Iranian/Parthian/Persian nobility )
Great video and awesome narration!
Absolutely wonderful video over a very interesting topic!
Thank you so much!
I'm glad that you partnered up with Strategy Stuff - such a great channel that really sets bar for history channel writing.
More to come. Working with Strategy Stuff is an absolute pleasure.
Definitely considered one of Rome's best emperors up there with Aurelian and Alexios I Komnenos were it not for the Arabs coming in and reversing all of Heraclius's gains.
Heraclius was of an Armenian 🇦🇲 origin ( Iranian/Parthian/Persian nobility )
@@alimoradi8454
what are you saying?
it was actually the Iranian emperor of Rome vs the Iranian emperor of Iran? lol
I think that the Greeks proved incompetent rulers of Rome. The Latins produced many good emperors. Heraclius was at the borderline, at the transition between the Latin and Greek empire. Indeed he was Armenian, he favored Greek over Latin culture and he was superb ruler.
@@user-sc5iv2rp2t Justinian
@@user-sc5iv2rp2t How were Greeks incompetent, as you said Heraclius was not Greek Neither was his dynasty.
Chad Soldier Emperors like Basil II And Nikephoros Phocas say hello.
I appreciate your hard work and putting out these videos thank you
Heraclius was of an Armenian 🇦🇲 origin ( Iranian/Parthian/Persian nobility )
@@alimoradi8454 stop spreading lies
great video on such an underrated war! thanks
Heraklios is literally the embodiment of the saying: *Fortune favours the bold*
That man was putting everything in the line every single time yet he managed to pull it through. One defeat, one mistake, one misfortune and his empire was doomed.
"thing happens"
You lot: ahh, this must be a divine law!
@@yaqubebased1961 What are you yapping about?
@@yaqubebased1961Not divine law, man goes all in and wins the bet
A miracle mentioned in the Holy Qur’an. When the noble verse was revealed to the Messenger of God, may God’s prayers and peace be upon him, the Persians had defeated the Romans, and people at that time believed that it was impossible for the Roman Empire to win, but the Holy Qur’an brought a miracle, where God said: In the name of God the Merciful (The Romans have been defeated in the lowest part of the earth, and after their defeat they will be victorious in a few years. To God belongs the command before and after. And on that day the believers will rejoice in the victory of God. He gives victory to whomever He wills, and He is the Mighty, the Most Merciful.) God has mentioned that the fighting was in the lowest part of the earth, and modern science has now discovered that the sea The dead is the lowest place on earth, the place where the Romans and Persians fought, Glory be to God
I imagine the final years of the war Khosrow ii was like Hitler in his bunker during the endseig. I can almost hear him shouting that it was through his efforts that he was able to make it further into Roman territory than any Persian before him and now the turn of tides in the war was because of his generals were lying to him and disobeying his orders.
Except that Khosrau was more justified to behave in such a way.
in the time of wining people knows them as god and historians they write about them how great they are but in time of loosing definitely they call them trash they gid rid of him and....
Amazing content y’all’ve posted here
Amazing Stuff History Marche. You Rock.
Thank you kindly
Kaegis' book Heraclius, Emperor of Byzantium is pretty good. I recommend it.
However due to low amount of originally sources there is some unknowns.
Also great narrative. Heraclius reign would be a great miniseries
Emperor of the Romans is more accurate, never was a "Byzantine".
It must have been eerie to march that army into Persian controlled territory. What may have felt like the last Roman emperor leading the last Roman army. I'd like to think that along this march, Heraclius recalled the grand history of his Greek and Roman forebears. From the repel of the Persians by the city states, to the Peloponnessian War and the dominance of Macedon. To the fall of Carthage and Greece to Rome, its many imperial campaigns in the East from Sulla to Julian, and its enduring centuries of Mediterranean dominance, though now only a shadow of its former might. Heraclius had balls and this campaign is legendary because of his army's performance.
This was awesome! Great job ❤️
Thank you so much!!
Awesome video as usual, thank you
When I see a video on Eastern Roman history, in this case being, as much as other histories from this channel, I can't help but jump for glee! I can't help but thank you for doing this. Absolutely amazing stuff! Will never stop saying this :)
Wow, thank you
@@HistoryMarche np :)
Great video! Keep up with the Byzantine content!! 💯
Great video as always
*Amazing video, as always!*
well done, quality work. Educational and a pleasure to watch.
It will be right mentioning that Heraclius took for himself the ancient Persian title of "King of Kings" after his victory. Later on, starting in 629, he styled himself as Basileus, the Greek word for "sovereign", and that title was used by the Byzantine Emperors for the next 800 years. The reason Heraclius chose this title over previous Roman terms such as Augustus has been attributed to his Armenian origins.[44]
Love history Marche... Best channel on CZcams 🍻
Heraclius was of an Armenian 🇦🇲 origin ( Iranian/Parthian/Persian nobility )
Truly excellent, thank you!
Heracluis is well remembered and respected even to Muslims and especially arabs, an important part of it is because when the prophet sent messages to the kings of the world inviting them to join Islam his messenger was well reserved and heracluis even kept the letter, unlike kossoro who burned it down.
Not only that but those arabs who met him described him to be very smart and wise, even the most cunning of them knew better than to lie to his face no matter what.
Very Interesting, thank you
@@juandirection5622 you're welcome.
@@Saleh-994 any source?
Khosrow was much ahead of his time. He knew what a hell and backward this letter will bring to the world
@@NIKOS_GEROSIDERIS I don't know if you believe Arab resources or not? Their are many ancient Arab books mentioned that especially at the time of Abassiad caliphate...
Heraclius did one of the most greatest UNO Reverse card in history!
but got double uno reversed by the arabs lol
Heraclius was of an Armenian 🇦🇲 origin ( Iranian/Parthian/Persian nobility )
@@alimoradi8454 spam
@@thoughtshewasaryan2591 Then Leo triple uno reversed at the Siege of Constantinople.
@@hammer3721 and he turks own it now so STAY MAD
Thanks for the video
Once again your videos are the best nice animation bro.✌🖒😀💗
Damn, Heraclius was a BOSS! We always hear of the Byzzies losing Egypt, Judea, Syria and Iraq to the Caliphate, but this video's content is something altogether.
14:10 One of the reasons for the desecration was because of the Persian campaign of 614, when they sieged Jerusalem and took away the True Cross
It was the first insult by the Romans. To invade Iran to open a country. But the great Parthian general. Sorena. He taught them the greatest lesson
Yes, but he did some really horrible things on his way and in the city of Sabur, like he ordered to slit open the bellies of pregnant women and to smash the fetuses on rocks (Based on Psalm 136). Of course, the Sassanids likely did their fair share of war crimes, but the actions of Heraclius are noted in Zoroastrian texts as inhuman.
persians arse was creampied by khalid and ummayads the righteous rulers of islam@@shapuri478
Heraclius would've been remembered as one of the Greatest Emperors in history if it wasn't for what happened in the second part of his reign
As usual... outstanding! Thanks!
I really love this video and have watched it several times. Its excellent. Except for one thing!!
Men with Time Machine:
*622 AD*
“You guys need to team up, something way worse is coming”
Cope x2
@@Someone-by6jm yeah pretty much, I’m sure there is many things of history you would like to change as well
Like all great empires what destroyed it was in fighting and bad leadership , check the usa now with sleepy Joey the puppet
Cope.
They did, The Byzantines and Sassanid actually teamed up againts the Rashidun, but they still lost😂
Heraclios was a brilliant strategic !!
Yet another great video.
very nice! I think that you have the potential for creating a table top/card game based on historical mechanism :)
Being a byzantine was like living life on legendary difficulty.
Khalid Ibn walid : let me introduce myself
What a superb video!⚔🏹👍
I appreciate your point about the Persians being faced individually and collectively with rapidly, dramatically diminishing returns that is a pretty subtle and often unobserved point. Good analysis overall.
A victory foretold in chapter of Romans in Quran when Romans were besieged in Constantinople.
A suicide move that could have really made Heraclius an idiot if things didn’t go his way. But history is history and now worthily he is characterized as a military genius.
if he wasn't a "genius" he would be remembered as an idiot, for sure :)
Great documentary. Thanks.
Glad you enjoyed it
nice instructive history video .. thanks
Glad you enjoyed it
It is said in Persian epics that Khosrow had married the daughter of Maurice and the war was to avenge his father in law, furthermore one son of Maurice fled Constantinople before Phokas could kill him, said son was appointed governor of Persian Egypt and he may have been intended to be put on the throne of Constantinople.
It's difficult to know which sources to believe. Obviously the Persians - as you say - had the ulterior motive of placing "Theodosius" on the throne if/when they conquered the Eastern Roman Empire, as a puppet ruler. Likewise, the Romans themselves would've had a motive for publicly doubting his identity, as it would've meant a challenge to Heraclius' rule.
Great work HistoryMarche.
I want to ask you, if you can of course.
Can you please create few video series about the 3 eastern Roman emperors?
1) Nikiforos II Fokas also known as the “pale death of Islam”.
2) John I Tsimiskis.
3) Basil II Porphyrogenitus also known as the “Bulgar-slayer”.
(How the 3 rise in to power and save and restore the Eastern Roman Empire from internal and external threats. Sadly very few people know about their deed’s and their achievements).
Don't forget me there
great video thanks
Great video love this
Thank you!!
Too sad he got old and saw all these geting lost. A fit and ready to battle Heraclius was the fear of everyone after what he had achieved! I can imagine foreign armies in his prime years getting in panic even in the idea that they may see him on the battlefield. Possibly the only Roman emperor that was so successful with Persia and East in general?
Completely disagree the fact that he even lost this amount of lands proves that he wasn't as successful
@@williamrobert9898 did uwatch teh video?winning a 30 year war against roman biggest enemy and retakign all lost lands proves that he was one of the most capables emperors
@@nihil_hd1598 Indeed he was there's no denying that but to say he is the only Roman emperor to have been so successful against Persia is a gigantic reach because of the fact that he lost these lands from the first place and btw he didn't win the war, if you look it up it has been said multiple times that this war left both empires with 0 gains it only succeeded in depleting their resources which allowed the Rashiduns to expand on their expense, it basically ended with both of them losing
he did win the war even though it was phyric victory had he lost the Roman empire would have died of in 620s instead of 1453
@@El-Silvernah
After the conquests of Egypt, Khusrow II conspired to assassinate his General Shabraz who became too powerful. After the failed assassination attempt Shahbaraz mutinied and went to the Heraclius's court and since most of the new holdings were under Shahbaraz and his Army's command Heraclius did not face any resistance to reclaim the lost territory. They even sacked Ctesiphon and ousted Khusrow II. Source of this can be found in this book "The Sasanian-Parthian Confederacy and the Arab Conquest of Iran"
Heraclius was of an Armenian 🇦🇲 origin ( Iranian/Parthian/Persian nobility )
Heraclius didn't sack Ctesiphon nor deposed khosrow
@@soroushtorabi98 you are probably right, what makes you say that? I am genuinely interested in knowing an alternative source. The book I mentioned was based on some historical sources and mostly Author's own research.
@@aftabnaveed every single sources focuses on him retreating back to Constantinople after the battle of Nineveh . I'd like to know what source are you using for him sacking Ctesiphon
@@soroushtorabi98 he literally just told you bro tf???
Great video!
great vid!
I have always said this, Heraclius is underrated emperor and this time period is not as popular as it should be. This was one of the best comebacks i have ever heard of. It was also prophecied by Muhammad who was in Makkah with few followers at this time.
A muslim must send durud after the beloved's name (saww)
@@MohsinRaza-uq2ow Its wajib to say it, not write it.
How many army did Heraclius defeat with just one army in hand! That’s insane.
its was destined , there was a higher intervention as we muslims believed, these quranic verses were revealed to prophet muhammad after the romans were defeated, the muslims were waiting the triumph of the romans after that to rejoice.
the holy quran , chapter of the romans verses 1-6
1. Alif-Lam-Mim.
2. The Romans have been defeated.
3. In the nearer land (Syria, Iraq, Jordan, and Palestine), and they, after their defeat, will be victorious.
4. Within three to nine years. The decision of the matter, before and after (these events) is only with Allah, (before the defeat of Romans by the Persians, and after, i.e. the defeat of the Persians by the Romans). And on that Day, the believers (i.e. Muslims) will rejoice (at the victory given by Allah to the Romans against the Persians),
5. With the help of Allah, He helps whom He wills, and He is the All-Mighty, the Most Merciful.
6. (It is) a Promise of Allah (i.e. Allah will give victory to the Romans against the Persians), and Allah fails not in His Promise, but most of men know not.
@@user-ve1sr2wi1w That is quite fascinating to see someone predicting that the Romans would win when they were in such dire state
classic case of stretching an army too thin on the persian side
@@user-ve1sr2wi1w LOL what a clown. Making up verses for other dumb dumbs to believe.
From Jami e Tirmidhi 2935: On the Day of Badr, the Romans had a victory over the Persians. So the believers were pleased with that, _then_ the following was revealed: Alif Lam Mim. The Romans have been defeated... ...the believers will rejoice. (30:1-4)" He said: "So the believers were happy with the victory of the Romans over the Persians..." grade: _Hassan_ (good)
That prophesy came after Muslims already learned of Roman victories in their counteroffensive. It is still an impressive prediction however. It would be foolish to deny.
This guy is a strategic genius!
Yay! A documentary about Heraclius, my favourite Byzantine emperor. Many thanks. Keep up the good work.