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I’ve recently gotten through this period in the “History of Byzantium” podcast series. Justinian had just recently retaken many of the old western Roman provinc
by bwanab 6y ago
I’ve recently gotten through this period in the “History of Byzantium” podcast series. Justinian had just recently retaken many of the old western Roman provinces, not least of which was Rome itself, and the breadbasket of North Africa. Things were finally looking good for the Romans again when the plague hit. The armies were unfortunately overextended and now half their ranks were dead or dying. It was an irresistible target for the Persians, the steppe horsemen and the Goths which ultimately weakened them all just in time for the Arab invasions.
- datenhorst 6y agoI listened to this years ago but could still remember Procopius' quote. I just looked it up and apparently the consensus at the time of recording (2013) was a meteor strike rather than a volcanic eruption. Interesting.
- koheripbal 6y agoWonderful series. Absolutely amazing. ...and he's now producing the set that extends through the Crusades. If you haven't listened to it, the one on the Siege of 717 deserves it's own bowl of popcorn - super super entertaining. I loved the original The History of Rome podcast that goes through to the fall of the West, but I think I've come to prefer this one even more. The first few episodes require a little patience as the author gets his footing - but it pays off. Awesome podcast.
- phist_mcgee 6y agoLink?