Empire 105. The Last Great War of Antiquity
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Dec 12, 2023 Dive into the epic clash between the Sassanian Empire and the Byzantines, unraveling a war that shaped the fate of antiquity. Discover the romantic and political saga of Khusrow and Shireen, where love intertwines with power and faith. Explore the cultural echoes from this turbulent period, highlighting influences from poetry to cinema. The narrative extends into the legacy of Shireen against modern political struggles, culminating in the rise of Heraclius and setting the stage for a new era with the emergence of Islam.
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Tsunami Escape
- William Dalrymple's family avoided the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami by changing their travel plans.
- They accepted an invitation to a Parsi coming-of-age ceremony in Bombay.
Superpowers of Late Antiquity
- The Byzantines and Sasanian Persians were the two superpowers of late antiquity.
- Their frequent wars and periods of peace shaped the era.
Late Antiquity's Transformation
- Late antiquity was a period of societal decay and religious fervor.
- Monks and hermits preserved classical texts while engaging in extreme ascetic practices.
