Synopses & Reviews
This book evaluates the life and empire of the pivotal yet controversial Byzantine emperor Heraclius (ad. 610-641), a contemporary of the Prophet Muhammad. His stormy war-torn reign is critical for understanding the background to fundamental changes in the Balkans and the Middle East, including the emergence of Islam. Heraclius' skills enabled him to capture and recapture important territory, including Jerusalem, Syria and Egypt. Yet, they proved to be of little value when he confronted early Islamic conquests.
Review
"...a good, solid work on a much studied, and much misunderstood, period in Byzantine history, and should find its way immediately onto graduate reading lists." Military History"This study constitutes an excellent source for students and specialists interested in Byzantine and later Roman history. Heraclius, Emperor of Byzantium will also enhance readers' knowledge of the Muslim-Arabic expansion into Middle Eastern territory." History"...Prof. Kaegi's work breaks considerable new ground by refuting many old, generally superficial views of Heraclius, while putting his considerable achievements firmly into the political, social, cultural, and military frame-work of his times." New York Military Affairs Symposium Review"A meticulous narrative." Bryn Mawr Classical Review"Kaegi's expertise in the analysis of military campaigns shines through on numerous occasions, well supported by good maps, plans and photographs." The Medieval Review
Synopsis
This study evaluates the life and reign of the pivotal Byzantine emperor Heraclius (AD 610-641).
Synopsis
This book evaluates the life and empire of the pivotal yet controversial Byzantine emperor Heraclius (ad. 610-641), a contemporary of the Prophet Muhammad. His stormy war-torn reign is critical for understanding the background to fundamental changes in the Balkans and the Middle East, including the emergence of Islam. Heraclius' skills enabled him to capture and recapture important territory, including Jerusalem, Syria and Egypt. Yet, they proved to be of little value when he confronted early Islamic conquests.
About the Author
Walter E. Kaegi is Professor of History, The University of Chicago. He is the author of many books, including Byzantium and the Decline of Rome (1968), Byzantine Military Unrest 471-843 (1981), Army, Society and Religion in Byzantium (1982), Some Thoughts on Byzantine Military Strategy (1983), and Byzantium and the Early Islamic Conquests (1992, paperback 1995).
Table of Contents
List of maps; List of figures; Acknowledgements; List of abbreviations; Introduction; 1. Armenia and Africa: the formative years; 2. Internal and external challenges in the first decade of the reign; 3. Taking the offensive; 4. Peril and hope; 5. The invasion of Mesopotamia; 6. Five crucial years: a narrow window of opportunity; 7. Tested again; 8. Losing control; 9. Conclusions; Chronological table; Bibliography; Index.