Podcast Episodes
Back to SearchThe Collapse of the Sasanian Persian Empire
Season 1 Episode 108
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 ev…
1 year, 6 months ago
The Battle of Yarmuk: Rome's Greatest Defeat?
Season 1 Episode 107
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 woul…
1 year, 6 months ago
Muhammad's Revolution
Season 1 Episode 106
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 M…
1 year, 6 months ago
Heraclius Triumphant
Season 1 Episode 105
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…
1 year, 7 months ago
The Siege of Constantinople in AD 626
Season 1 Episode 104
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 th…
1 year, 7 months ago
The Best Form of Defence is Attack
Season 1 Episode 103
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…
1 year, 8 months ago
Heraclius' Crusaders
Season 1 Episode 102
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 rich…
1 year, 8 months ago
Heraclius' Fight for Survival
Season 1 Episode 101
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 o…
1 year, 8 months ago
BOOK ANNOUNCEMENT - 'Justinian's Empire' Book 4 in The Fall of the Roman Empire
I thought you might be interested to know that my latest book called ‘Justinian’s Empire’ is out now on Amazon in ebook and paperback. It will be wit…
1 year, 8 months ago
Heraclius: A New Hero
Season 1 Episode 100
The emperor Phocas' reign was one of the most tyrannical and bloodthirsty in all of Roman history. In North Africa, a young general rebelled against …
1 year, 9 months ago