MILITARY HISTORY OF LATE ROME: Volume 8 -- 602-641

1-210358

Provides a fresh analysis of the Roman Empire from the reign of Phocas (602-10) until the death of Heraclius (610-41). This was an era of unprecedented upheavals which is usually considered to have resulted in the end of antiquity. The usurpations of Phocas and Heraclius led to the collapse of the Roman defenses. The Persians conquered Syria, Lebanon, Palestine, and Egypt. The Avars and Slavs ravaged the Balkans. The Lombards held the upper hand in Italy. The Visigoths conquered Spain. Yet Heraclius launched a very effective counterattack against the Persians that not only defeated the Persians but extended Roman domains at their expense and restored the Roman fortunes in the Balkans.

Explains in detail how this Roman revival happened, what enabled the Romans to defeat the Persians, and why the Romans lost when they fought against the Muslims. This was an era of epic campaigns and battles and epic campaigns needed equally talented commanders -- Heraclius, Chosroes II Parwez, Shahrbaraz, Shahin, Abu Bakr, Umar, Abu Ubaydah, and Khalid b. al-Walid, the Sword of Allah.