The Collapse of the Sasanian Persian Empire
After defeating the Romans at the Battle of Yarmuk in 636, the first Islamic Caliphate turned its attention to Persia. The fighting there would be even more decisive than against the Romans. Support ...
22 Feb 202520min
The Battle of Yarmuk: Rome's Greatest Defeat?
In August 636, near the Yarmuk river in modern-day Syria/Jordan, a battle was fought between the new Islamic Caliphate and the Roman Empire that would change the course of history. Support the show F...
15 Feb 202521min
Muhammad's Revolution
As Rome and Persia fought the last war of antiquity, they scarcely noticed a revolution was taking place in Arabia. A revolution led by a man named Muhammad. Support the show For a free ebook, maps an...
1 Feb 202524min
Heraclius Triumphant
Heraclius was one of the greatest of all Roman Emperors and soldiers, and in 628-30 he secured a complete victory over Rome's oldest enemy - Sasanian Persia. Support the show For a free ebook, maps an...
18 Jan 202524min
The Siege of Constantinople in AD 626
The Roman Emperor Heraclius faced his gravest challenge yet in AD 626 as the Avars and Persians closed in on the capital city, Constantinople. But the year ahead would be full of surprises. Support th...
11 Jan 202527min
The Best Form of Defence is Attack
The year AD 622 was a difficult one for the Roman Empire and its emperor, Heraclius. Surrounded by the Avars in the west and the Persians in the east, the position looked hopeless. But Heraclius was a...
21 Dec 202423min
Heraclius' Crusaders
In 615, the Roman Empire was on its knees. The Persians had conquered most of Syria and the Levant and were poised to invade Egypt, the empire's richest province. But from the ashes of defeat would ar...
14 Dec 202424min
Heraclius' Fight for Survival
When Heraclius seized the throne from Phocas, you might think the Romans had got lucky. But no! The first few years of his reign were nothing short of disastrous as the Persians advanced into the hear...
7 Dec 202424min
