The History of Byzantium

We trace the origins of Leo III from his family's relocation to Thrace, his service in the Caucasus through to his interaction with the invading Arabs. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Justinian II tries to return to vigorous action but things quickly fall apart. The Arabs advance in the east and a rebellion in Cherson blows up. We meet our fourth, fifth and sixth Emperors. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Justinian II heads off into exile but dreams of returning to Constantinople. He makes friends in Cherson and talks openly of rebellion. The city's authorities report this to Apsimar and Justinian flees Cherson looking for an ally who can return him to the throne. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Arabs capture Carthage and the new Emperor Leontius is forced to send a fleet to recapture it. When that mission fails the men of the fleet wonder if one of their own might make a better Emperor. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We finish our 7th century tour by answering more of your questions. We cover nose slitting, coins, education, fashion, when did Late Antiquity end and did the Romans miss the Persians? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

David Gyllenhaal, a PhD student at Oxford University, dives into how the 7th century transformed Byzantine self-conception. He discusses the fallout from Justinian II's reign and the emergence of Leo III, highlighting the interplay between identity and political theology. Gyllenhaal examines moral accountability in leadership, particularly through Heraclius, while exploring orthodoxy's role in state stability. The episode also touches on the lasting influence of Jewish narratives on Byzantine identity, revealing the complex relationship between religion and governance.

What did the Romans think was responsible for their defeats? We look at the Christian thought-world of the 7th century and the reactions from Byzantium and those left behind in the Caliphate. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We look at the changes the Roman army and government went through in the 7th century and consider why the Romans survived. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We look West at Spain, Gaul and Italy to see what has changed since 600AD. Then we head into the Balkans to peer into the darkness and try to understand who lived there. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Now that the Arabs have conquered Syria and Mesopotamia how did they organise themselves? And how did this contribute to their continuing military victories? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.