“A fascinating, informative, thoughtful and thought-provoking history. . . . comprehensively detailed and documented.” —Midwest Book Review

This book provides a fresh analysis of the Roman Empire from the reign of Phocas (602-10) until the death of Heraclius (610–41), an era of unprecedented upheavals 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. But then came one of the most remarkable reversals of fortune in human history.

Heraclius began his holy war against the fire-worshippers. He launched a very effective counterattack against the Persians; as a result the Romans not only defeated the Persians but extended their domains at their expense, and by 633 Heraclius was already restoring the Roman fortunes in the Balkans. This volume revises many of the previously held views of how this took place and what actually happened. The Roman armies seemed invincible, and then happened yet another great reversal of fortune—the Muslims began their jihad to conquer the world.

The author explains in detail why these reversals of fortune happened; what enabled the Romans to defeat the Persians; and why the Romans lost when they fought against the Muslims and, conversely, why the Muslims were so successful. This was an era of epic campaigns and battles, all of which are explained in unprecedented detail.

Includes maps and illustrations

Praise for Military History of Late Rome 425–457

“Outstanding . . . [the series] gives us a very good picture of the long process that has come to be known as the ‘Fall of Rome.’ This is an invaluable read for anyone with an interest in Late Antiquity.” —The NYMAS Review