Belisarius: The Emperor's Sword (1/6)

In the 6th century AD, during the reign of Emperor Justinian, the Roman Empire experienced an extraordinary resurgence, reconquering lands - including Italy, North Africa and Rome itself - that had been lost to the 'barbarians' a century before. Leading these campaigns, a brilliant Roman general named Flavius Belisarius - a skilled tactician, inspirational leader, pragmatic and humane.
Big thanks to Legendarian for 'Total War: Attila' gameplay footage, check out his KZbin channel here: / @legendarian4690
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🎨 Original artwork by Miłek Jakubiec www.artstation...
🎨 Thanks to Igor Dzis for permission to use his painting, 'Battle of Dara'.
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📚Recommended reading:
📖Procopius, History of the Wars US: bookshop.org/a... / UK: uk.bookshop.or...
📖 The Wars of Justinian by Michael Whitby US: bookshop.org/a... / UK: uk.bookshop.or...
📖 Rome Resurgent by Peter Heather US: bookshop.org/a... / UK: uk.bookshop.or...
📖The Armies of Ancient Persia: the Sassanians by Kaveh Farrokh US: bookshop.org/a... / UK: uk.bookshop.or...
📖Late Roman Cavalryman AD 236-565 (Osprey) by Simon MacDowall www.ospreypubl...
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#EpicHistoryTV #RomanEmpire #EasternRomanEmpire #Justinian #Belisarius #ByzantineEmpire

[@EpichistoryTv]

I hope you enjoy the first episode of our new Belisarius series! This topic was chosen by Patreon supporters, if you want to vote in future polls and get ad-free early access to new videos, visit www.patreon.com/EpicHistoryTV.

[@knowledgedesk1653]

Love your videos👍

[@buzoianumihai7654]

Truly Epic VOice the narator has

[@chee2893]

"Epic"

[@arche8229]

This was amazing!!

[@freedombro]

This really makes my day, God bless you all ❤

[@Willzy800]

Belisarius deserves his place next to Julius Caeser and Scipio Africanus.

[@afriendlycadian9857]

Yes but hardly anyone knows him

[@SodaPrezsing]

@@afriendlycadian9857 That's his point

[@volodymyrboitchouk]

Funnily enough, in such company its hannibal whose the odd one out.

[@jonshive5482]

He gets a fair if sketchy shake in Adrian Goldsworthy's study of great Roman generals, In the Name of Rome.

[@hunger1651]

and heraclius

[@ScorpoYT]

Belisarius achievements should have entitled him to be "Julius Caesar of the Eastern Roman Empire"

[@linusdanielsson6206]

Love ur vids Scorpo

[@Derzelas05]

Of the whole Roman empire

[@PakBallandSami]

hi

[@prototypechile]

Hell no, Julius Caesar was way more than just a general. Belisarius lacked the "social genius" that Julius had.

[@山丨山丂丂乇乇卩]

Seriously though No.

[@vdias]

"He will be remembered as Rome's last great general" He will be - once Epic History TV is done.

[@TheDrsalvation]

to be fair, Dovahatty got there before, and just as epic and highly unbiased, the way we like it lol (it's the reason why I'm here right now)

[@johnpattenden8553]

@@TheDrsalvation yeah, but heraclius tho?

[@megasalexandrostv7077]

@@johnpattenden8553 Basil II as well

[@johnpattenden8553]

@@megasalexandrostv7077 true true

[@christianjocson5509]

Basil the Bulgarslayer:Ahem…you’re forgetting someone?

[@78Mrarth]

10 thousands reinforcements arriving at the battle, bringing the Persian forces to 50 thousands. Andreas : "49.998"

[@shubharthidutta979]

49,991 7 were killed in the first cavalry patrol determined to check the strength of the Greek Byzantine Romans

[@Abdi-libaax]

8 thousand died and the rest ran away 😂 how could 49.998 lose to 25000? It just shows how incompetent those generals were.

[@geletoz]

@@Abdi-libaax a waryaa historian like me lol salamat

[@MrJoeParsons]

@@Abdi-libaax very simple, once an army broke - that's when the real casualties began

[@SMAXZO]

WHAT'CHA GONNA DO, PERSIA...WHEN ANDREAS AND HIS 24 INCH PYTHONS RUN WILD ON YOU!

[@rhozenheyo9045]

This was the first Documentary of The Eastern Roman Empire I've watched without a single word of "Byzantium". Awesome

[@xptolen]

precisly

[@ali_kiddo]

It's actually Byzantium

[@adrianocarvalho6113]

Rome fell only in 1453 ! "Byzantium" was Rome.

[@53Aquilae]

I think that was because Rome was still latin at this time

[@maxwelljarman7785]

EXACTLY

[@dukeofwellington8898]

This brings back memories when I was a kid watching Extra History's Justinian series.

[@rikuvakevainen6157]

Same. I can't wait Belisarius' journey.

[@holly5234]

Wow it’s been that long?I remember watching it around 5 years ago as a young teen along with the first crusade on this channel, crazy to think now I’m a adult in college potentially getting my degree in history.

[@AKAZA-kq8jd]

Same here

[@McDragoneer]

such a great series, hopefully this will be just as good :)

[@Artur_M.]

Thanks for making me feel old guys! ;)

[@RemAllenSenpai]

" For not by numbers of men, nor by measure of body, but by valor of soul is war to be decided. " - Flavius Belisarius.

[@jonathanflores9991]

🔥

[@kylemendoza8860]

"In the jungle when the enemy is behind you, he is surrounded by all sides." - WWII British general I don't remember his name.

[@AKAZA-kq8jd]

Well said 👏

[@jorizalramos6882]

Rise of Kingdom

[@robertholley2195]

and superior weapons , not always, but without physical weapons ,you have Gods intervention.

[@princepscivitatis4083]

Belisarius and Justinian could've been the next Agrippa-Octavian, if only Justinian had his bro's back like Octavian did.

[@napolien1310]

What do u mean!!

[@princepscivitatis4083]

@@napolien1310 Spoiler alert: Belisarius' wife shits the bed, Theodora takes her side and actively persecute Belisarius and Justinian does jackshit to help him. Some sources claim Belisarius was put down to a position where he literally had to beg for his daily bread.

[@claudiu-mihaipuiu1221]

@@napolien1310 After pretending to take the Ostrogothic crown at the end of Belisarius' campaign of the Ostrogoths made Justinian suspicious that he might someday actually try to do that. Remember, popular generals often tried to install themselves as Emperor, even in the Eastern Roman Empire so it wasn't entirely irrational of Justinian to think that. Hell, when he got sick of the Plague and thought to be dead, many people were thinking and arguing for Belisarius to take the purple and crown himself emperor, despite him stating that he wasn't interested one bit in that.

[@arche8229]

@@princepscivitatis4083 thats a myth

[@princepscivitatis4083]

@@claudiu-mihaipuiu1221 The atmosphere you describe (where generals vied for power) was the exact same, if not more extreme, when Octavian established the Triumvirate and later, the Principate. He could've just as easily done Agrippa when people like Salvidienus, Maecenas, Antony etc... actively encouraged him to. Justinian was simply an oaf when it came to recognizing people for who they are and even worse individual when it came to the bro-code.

[@justinian-the-great]

Well, your video turned better than even I thought would be! Didn't know you were going to cover Calinicum as well. It's a surprise to be sure, but a welcome one! I hope that the rest of the series goes as well as this. Justinian and his crew like Belisarius, Theodora and Narses deserve more coverage than they currently get and I'm sure that you will give them the story they deserve.

[@pimpintoads5871]

You're not great.

[@regigashi9226]

The author gets the identity of emperor Justinian Wrong It seems like he never heard of Tauressium today located in Skopje Macedonia??

[@anirudh177]

@@pimpintoads5871 Why not?

[@Artur_M.]

There is already some good content about Belisarius and Justinian on the historical side of KZbin but this goes above and beyond it, simply amazing!

[@whollibaugh]

No kidding

[@Oblivious_uncertainties]

Another documentary of epic history about an epic general in an epic time era in an epic video with an epic voice from Epic History TV. ;)

[@pythonhtmljava7811]

What an epic comment

[@cdcastro7986]

@@pythonhtmljava7811 What an epic reply

[@definitelynotaswith6164]

what an epic thread

[@NoXeB1995]

What an epic...just...what an epic!

[@Oblivious_uncertainties]

@@NoXeB1995 What kind of epic will epic post after this epic series ? the epic story of the epic Caesar ?

[@kristian2497]

Great video! Both Justinian and Belisarius deserve more attention then they've previously had. Great to see them finally getting it 😁😁😁

[@ThinkerYT]

agree 100% there are so many more underrated ones tho

[@TesterAnimal1]

Justinian gets plenty of attention. Everybody who knows about Hagia Sophia knows who he is. That includes many thousands of tourists every year.

[@kleinenfuchse5365]

@@TesterAnimal1 Okay BlackSheepSwimmer

[@toddkes5890]

If you get a chance, check out the 'Belisarius series' books by David Drake and Eric Flint. First one in "An Oblique Approach". Basic plot is two AI from the future are sent back to the past to change history. One wants to make a perfected caste system to purify humanity and takes over Malwa India. The other wants to make a humanity that welcomes differences and goes to Rome to help out. 6 books total

[@legendarian4690]

It was a pleasure to help, guys! Thanks again for reaching out to me!

[@user-po3ss3vk5b]

your shots are clean! i kinda prefer them more to the ones used in Kings And Generals (:

[@legendarian4690]

@@user-po3ss3vk5b Thanks man, appreciate it!

[@user-po3ss3vk5b]

no problem, im glad you guys gave credit to what mods you used. it's not something i see all the time ;)

[@oleksandr1459]

What mod is used in this footages, I mean just some reskin of Roman units, or mb some big mod?

[@legendarian4690]

@@oleksandr1459 it's called 555 Age of Justinian for the game Total War Attila

[@danielconde13]

I cannot express enough joy to see such a topic picked up, and produced in such a manner like that which mesmerized us for so long, during the entirety of the Napoleonic Wars series. The maps, troops display, battle developments, even the sound effects - and gosh, the narration. Absolutely hooked on this new series, what a joy!

[@whollibaugh]

532AD Never did I think such a date, read aloud, would send a shiver down my spine

[@yavyav2281]

I cannot stress enough how good the animations, illustrations and maps are ! We all knew that the narrator was one of the best in the KZbin game but man, the visual quality struck me in the doc !

[@ftr1453]

In love with this charismatic general since I read Robert Graves' "Belisarius" when I was a teenager

[@EpichistoryTv]

Me too!

[@stuka80]

also love that novel! surprisingly very historically accurate for a fiction work.

[@nebsam715]

Aye?I have not heard of this book,I will be looking to find it

[@dimitriosvlissides5781]

Belissarios by Robert Graves an excellent book

[@nebsam715]

@@dimitriosvlissides5781 I shall read it and see for myself how good it is thanks for the heads up

[@stef1871987]

So excited you guys are doing Belisarius, what an underrated military genius

[@ismetdurmaz4746]

because the Western Historians are not keen with the Byzantines since they at from the East they don't really regard them as one of their own.

[@tijotypo5252]

oh Eric Flint is the author

[@stef1871987]

@@tijotypo5252 Thank you, will definitely check it out

[@TesterAnimal1]

@@ismetdurmaz4746 rubbish. They were Romani. 1453 😡

[@ismetdurmaz4746]

@@TesterAnimal1 true, but Western Rome has much more coverage and lots of information about it compared to the East and it tells you something.

[@ThinkerYT]

Everyone reading this, I wish you and your family the best of luck and a lot of health!

[@crownprincesebastianjohano7069]

Another superb addition, Toby. Belisarius was truly one of the greatest generals in any age. One wonders what could have been had Belisarius accepted the Gothic offer to become Emperor of the West. Would Justinian have agreed to it? Because on hopes Justinian would see the immense benefits of a pacified and united Italian Peninsula and North Africa. He knew Belisarius had little love for ultimate power, so Justinian could rule as Senior Augustus. With a secure power base and with the Goths tied to the Empire, it would have made the reconquest of Hispania, Gaul and Britannia much more simple.

[@derpynerdy6294]

sup Bernadotte, the long ass names and titles. Feels good to have descendants still reigning till this day eh?

[@crownprincesebastianjohano7069]

@@derpynerdy6294 It does! One throne, and direct descendants on four more. The second oldest reigning dynasty in Europe. Not bad for a man who enlisted as a private at the age of 16. And, one notes, with the help of Epic History, the long-delayed rehabilitation of my reputation is beginning.

[@robertcapet9132]

Also Germanius who married the Gothic princess. Had he lived he may have succeeded Justinian and been King of the Goths.

[@derpynerdy6294]

@@crownprincesebastianjohano7069 hehehe napey is jealous

[@janeghudjars3496]

@@derpynerdy6294 Bonaparte was always jealous of Bernadotte and his "Belle Jamb."

[@10thBCT]

"Dubious background from the acting profession" me:new insult acquired..

[@moreaianmythos7984]

The only history channel worth watching, a lot if not most channels do “mistakes” or revision history now a days especially when it comes to Greece and Rome, but you guys have always been consistent and even give sources while others don’t, thank you for having integrity and defending historical truth.

[@nataliekennedy4646]

So you don’t believe them even if they know what there talking about you must have a big ego

[@chrisla349]

@@nataliekennedy4646 what does ego have to do with someone being trusting or not?

[@eodyn7]

Kings and Generals?

[@erikkalaidzis625]

A small mistake perhaps, but it must be said Thrace is not a part of Serbia; it is the territory West and North-West of Constantinople, being rather a part of Bulgaria, Greece and Turkey.

[@nipoone6109]

What do you mean by 'revisionist history? History itself is revision, historians are revisionists. I think you mean distortionist history.

[@ismetdurmaz4746]

The best epic History Channel ever and Charles Nove's voice is soothing,watching all the way from Zimbabwe!

[@bwhit6541]

Belisarius, restorer of Roman prestige Aetius, destroyer of the Huns Majorian, reconquer of Gaul, Basil ll, the Bulgarian slayer, These were the last true Romans.

[@christermi]

I find this title "last true Roman" dull and false, but it's probably because Belissarius is the last Latin speaking great Roman general.

[@josefmaster1188]

Nikephoros Phokas and John I Tzimiskes were better generals than Basil II, but Basil in General for me is the best emperor of the middle ages but don't forget The white dead of the Saracens (sounds so cool).

[@crownprincesebastianjohano7069]

No love for Heraclius or Maurice?

[@dimitriosvlissides5781]

@@christermi I think whe had an excellent knowledge of greek

[@yaqubleis6311]

Aetius was half Iranian Scythian Origin and Belisarius lost 2 war vs Sassanid Empire

[@sgauden02]

They need to make a tv series like the show "Vikings" about Justinian, and Belisarius.

[@Bullet-Tooth-Tony-]

@Some thing Alexander has one coming soon brother stay tuned

[@Bullet-Tooth-Tony-]

​@Some thing Hannibal would be awesome, i know i really enjoyed the BBC documentary on him with Alexander siddig

[@martinboskovic1009]

About whole Eastern Roman Empire, some 20+ seasons or so, That would be really EPIC!

[@sgauden02]

@@martinboskovic1009 There TONS of Eastern Roman history to draw from!

[@kungfujiujitsufliptrick4832]

i think about that a lot about the Romans it would last like 20 seasons with no filler material

[@MalayArcher]

Great to see my friend Legendarian working with Epic History 👌🏻

[@crownprincesebastianjohano7069]

Dear Count Belisarius reminds me somewhat of the great Khalid Ibn al-Walid. Both won many victories despite being outnumbered and used guile to overcome the more numerous enemy. They also suffered unjustly at the hands of their sovereigns due to the jealously and palace intrigues of lesser men and were stripped of their rank and rewards. Both men deserved better ends.

[@jymscarlfamilar7661]

Yi Sun Shin too!

[@anoldtimer]

Khalid Ibn Al-Walid, was not treated unjustly from Umar R.A. The reason he was stripped of his rank was because the men started to think victory came with Khalid Ibn Al-Walid, Umar R.A wanted to reinstate the fact that victory comes only from Allah (God). That’s basically it.

[@artair70]

Sandpeople *YAWN*

[@rick7424]

This is where the fun begins! Ever since Extra History covered the reign of Justinian have I been interested in this story!

[@Anglomachian]

Whilst it’s true to say that the cavalry became more prominent, one should not underestimate the strength and versatility of the infantry. Far from a glorified meat shield, enemies of Rome that thought the spearman was the soft underbelly of the Roman army were quickly surprised when they didn’t just break apart at the first charge.

[@GloryToParadis]

Indeed, the new Protostate infantry combined features of the old legion and the phalanx, and tactically complements the armored archer cavalry. Their 2-meter long spears, when anchored on the ground, were designed to stop cavalry charges. They were also armed with bows & arrows and use the longer spatha sword instead of the gladius of the republican period.

[@GloryToParadis]

The old legion gave Rome mastery of the Mediterranean world, but it was ineffective against the horse archers of the Persians and the Huns. Everybody knows of Crassus' disastrous end at Carrhae but not even Caesar himself would have done any better against Parthia. In a sense, the new combined arms doctrine of the Eastern Romans was a revival of Alexander's tactics, with the infantry serving as the anvil to hold the enemy while the cavalry sweeps from the flanks.

[@rishi7629]

@@GloryToParadis Lol buddy you only know of Carrhae?.. Do you know how many times Rome burnt the Parthian capital after that?

[@finsfan90]

@@GloryToParadis Caesar would have done just fine. You realize that Marc Antony invaded Parthia and succeeded, right? This was shortly after the Crassus debacle.

[@nemirovstreet9874]

One of the best channels on KZbin right now, hands down! A thorough explanation of the background events, in addition to a supreme Tactical and Strategic analysis of the conflict. The narrator's voice, turns each video into a real experience. Truly Epic, and thank you for the enormous effort.

[@wilsontheconqueror8101]

Such an underappreciated General! If the Plauge had not showed up to derail all that he and Justinian had done! Who knows what course history would have taken!?

[@napoleonbonaparte6963]

Congratulations on reaching 1 million subscribers, you guys deserved it.

[@arturs6812]

Just finished Julius Caesar series by Kings and Generals and now this, I love it!

[@baguettysheppy1740]

This is amazing and i'm glad that the documentaries are getting even better. Hopefully the next episode comes out soon because i already can't wait for it lol

[@MrGenseric]

@EpicHistoryTV may be, the most articulated history channel around... Epic all-round, narration, editing, story telling, animation's rhythm,, aesthetics... you people, truly are top class thank you for all content.

[@centurymemes1208]

asthetic belongs to history marche animation but if both of them combined seen on their napoleonic wars then its superB

[@hakon_brennus_wolff106]

I’ve seen many brilliant individual battle reviews of Bellisarius’s. I have been waiting for someone to do an overview of all his accomplishments. 👍

[@surplusbus9269]

this channel has an incredible inspiring force it makes me want to do a similar work focused on the history of my country, Italy

[@AKAZA-kq8jd]

This video is brilliant!👏👏

[@charlesmcgill2974]

Sir we need you again

[@Diego-fx3ud]

I have to remark on the music in all of your videos, it really creates an awesome atmosphere for the topic showed in them. Great work as always!

[@stuka80]

A quick analysis of Belisarius's entrenching strategy and tactics at Daras. Although heavily outnumbered, Belisarius risked an open battle rather than a siege, though on a carefully laid out battlefield where he could conduct defensive, offensive maneouvers. The trench system was calculated to force the Persians to avoid the obvious trap in the center where their troops would be exposed to enfilade fire from both flanks. Their care played right into the hands of Belisarius, because not only would it mean that their main effort would be split on 2 flanks, but it would mean the main fighting would be with cavalry, the arm in which Belisarius was least outnumbered and on troops he could best rely on. Hes a master at exploiting his strengths as well as the enemy's weakness time and again. Did not expect this video at all, im a huge admirer of Belisarius and have alot of books about him and his skills as a general. Looking very much forward to this series.

[@alvaro209209]

Imagine being the emperor and your best friend is the commanding General of your army …

[@thebrocialist8300]

That was not exactly unprecedented in history.

[@nomooon]

Pretty Justinian got lucky his friend is so good, apparently he promoted him based on their relationship at first...

[@piccolo5346]

Alexander’s right hand man was his childhood friend aswell.

[@taxult]

Octavian and Agrippa

[@greyjedi8993]

Majorian and Ricimer...oh wait this one didn't end well.

[@-mathijs]

Again an high quality documentary. Thank you for the hard work Epic History TV 😄

[@Hoagsgalaxynetwork]

One of my favorite generals from history. So glad see you doing a series on him!

[@BroncosNation07]

Okay this is the best Channel I've ever stumbled upon... the other night I just watched the Napoleon special, it was amazing!! Thank you to all who create these amazing pieces about history!

[@Stickyrolls123]

This isn't content, it's a masterpiece! I love the quality you guys achieve. Your Napoleonic series is one of my favorite history pieces ever.

[@meherozakter217]

At last my boy belisarius got the respect that he deserved.

[@jonshive5482]

What a masterful presentation! The Eastern Roman Empire has been a long-neglected subject on this channel; great to have a well-rounded study of their most famous general to kick off what one hopes will be a comprehensive treatment. BTW don't usually like Total War clips interspersed with the narrative--too often they prove distracting as well as inapropos-- but in this case they complement it nicely. Cheers!

[@U8mymicro]

Your doing belisarius I couldn't be more excited top underrated general of all time for sure

[@kooroshrostami27]

This channel is amazing, the narration, the music, the animation quality, it makes learning about history as exciting as watching a movie. Only few documentaries feel both educating and captivating and this channel does a better job of it than any TV series I know.

[@iglisaro2616]

seriously, thank you guys for all you great work. it is something to depict history as correctly as possible, but to do it in such a way as to incite motivation and excitement is another story. A story you guys are telling so well. Keep up the good work, and thank you to the sponsors as well, for the support and good will, hélas, we live in a world where information is not transmitted unless it sells something or hits the boundaries of propaganda.

[@zakariaalami1491]

Dude when i hear your voice i imediatly remember your legandary napoleonic serie , i hope this one would be as good

[@coenris1485]

After seeing this intro I was thinking: '''This will be an epic series!!!'' Looking forward to the comming parts!

[@Justanirishfella]

Would love to see a series about khosrau anushirawan (think that’s right ) he was justinians main rival during this time and was ruler of the Sassanid empire and also fun fact he was the one who imported chess from India into Europe

[@noah_tries_gaming8318]

I could not think of an underrated general any better to do than this man. Thank you

[@duncanbennett2898]

Big Billy did his damnedest to bring back the glory days of the empire, but was always going to struggle against time. Much like Alexander, having no proper successor meant his short term gains would never be stable beyond his lifetime. Thanks so much for bringing this part of roman history to life with exquisite illustrations, scripting, narration and digital battle re-enactment.

[@Larsare98]

Judicator - Let There Be Nothing is an album about Belisarius. Highly recommended if you're into metal

[@dragoncrusader8580]

just checked it out, thanks for the awesome recommendation! song sounds so tragic, Belisarius deserved better than he got from the Emperor and Empress :(

[@Figgy_Jub]

One of the most underrated commanders ever, thank you for talking about him.

[@JawsOfHistory]

Another fantastic video. Even though I knew the story I was engrossed from beginning to end. Great work!

[@rachanacreativekitchen1953]

The first 1mintue and 30 second is the best intro and part of the video

[@soontir_fel1816]

I am absolutely thrilled for this series!! Today is a damn good day. Keep up the brilliant work

[@johnwest901]

Ever loyal to his emperor, one of the great strategic minds on the battlefield. What a man!

[@looloolalaable]

Just when I think you can't get any more awesome, you find a way to push back the frontiers of awesomeness! The long conflict between the Romans and the Persians is absolutely fascinating. P.S.: The artwork is sublime. Keep up the amazing work.

[@samthesith6631]

Why when I first read this I instantly went “WAIT 40K IS REAL??????”

[@Anonymous07192]

You'll find that the Adeptus Mechanicus draws heavy inspiration from the Eastern Roman Empire (look up "theosis" in Eastern Orthodox Christianity and how it relates to the Cult Mechanicus' dogma of 'becoming one with the Machine God') while the Imperium is modeled after the Western..... With the Emperor being kind of like Alexander the Great and the Custodes being his Companions. 40k has very deep underlying inspirations and themes but most people are not knowledgable enough about classical history to properly appreciate it.

[@stephenrowley6394]

This channel has posted the best historical videos I have seen. The quality of the information, the manner in which it is presented and the narration are all excellent. Thank you so much.

[@ariyoiansky291]

Fantastic opening to this series; everything was on point from the research, to the eye candy, and the audio. Couldn't ask for a better delivery and I can't wait for the continuation.

[@MihailGeorgeNeamtu]

Constantine XI deserves an episode, for sure!

[@TRAIN293]

I Love watching Epic History TV’s docs! I would love to see future series on Rome like the Punic Wars and Caesar’s campaigns in Gaul and beyond. As well lesser covered topics like the Thirty Years War and Ancient China.

[@CatholicDragoon]

I do like the little examination into Persian military units.

[@douglay2851]

This is easily the best history channel on KZbin. Amazing production values and spectacular narrator.

[@dubbyx8490]

This narrator ranks among the best I've heard in any history channel.. He adds a special element of prestige to these videos and is a big part of why I keep watching Epic History TV videos.. Kudos!

[@mastermax2792]

Finally Belisarius a man who was easily the match of Napoleon and Alexander, he is an awesome general it's nice to see him finally get some love

[@prasoonjha1816]

If I remember the character of Bel Riose in Isaac Asimov's popular sci fi series "Foundation Trilogy" is inspired from Belisarius. Bel Riose had almost reestablished the dying Galactic Empire for his Emperor Cleon II but at the end he received a really dreadful end. After his end the empire truly died as in the next story we realise that Trantor (capital of the Galactic Empire) has fallen.

[@Jykobe491]

And just like that Andreas name is written in history

[@asr20nl]

Yes

[@PequenoWiltord]

THIS is the type of video I like. Detailed explanation of history and war tactics combined with gameplay to better feed our minds.

[@hotpockethunter4886]

Please release these as soon as possible! I’m studying Rome in college rn and this is really helpful

[@tropix4392]

The music used for this is on another level.

[@przem0l1994]

Does anybody recognize the music used in this video? It's a brilliant piece.

[@rennor3498]

Its really disappointing that Justinian and Belisarius aren't remembered alongside the greatest Roman leaders

[@arche8229]

Its because its only Eastern Rome. Not the West and East together

[@rennor3498]

@@arche8229 Flavius Aetius is bette remembered even though he was from just the Western Roman Empire.

[@Anonymous07192]

The great schism has put the Eastern Roman Empire in a negative light compared to the Western counterpart, especially in Western history and literature. In line with what the Catholic Pope said after the sack of Constantinople of 1204, there can only be one Rome.

[@fredbarker9201]

@@rennor3498 they are though He’s literally Justinian The Great

[@dillonblair6491]

@@rennor3498 Because he was around during the time of the United Roman empire, both east and west

[@ShiningLight]

One of the greatest Roman Generals

[@charlesmcgill2974]

Thanks to him arguably romano-Greco culture flourished

[@tylerellis9097]

@@charlesmcgill2974 More like cause of him it got destroyed in most of Italy lol.

[@akaisamurai]

Among KZbin history channels, Epic History is the top one for me. Quality and detail like no other. Especially their videos on the rankings of the Marshals of Napoleon, one can tell the vast amount of effort research itself would have taken. Thumbs up and keep it going to all at the team.

[@stevesick1]

This is hands down my fav youtube page

[@DretFosria]

I actually enjoy these a lot more when you guys use boxes/rectangles to tell the story instead of clips from Total War.

[@alexhaleniuk4852]

„…he will be remembered as Rome’s last great general…” John Kourkouas and Leo Phokas: hold our beers

[@maxwelljarman7785]

THANK YOU FOR NOT CALLING IT THE "BYZANTINE EMPIRE"

[@esulfab99]

@Epic History. Once again you do us a great honor with your remarkable narration of historical work.

[@bkrg8125]

This is maybe the greatest youtube video I watched👍

[@Xaelyrion]

I feel like the Justinian period is underrated.

[@Hilltycoon]

Belisarius' achievements have never been matched. He's truly the greatest

[@afriendlycadian9857]

Sadly not as well known

[@williamjordan5554]

Alexander. Undefeated.

[@derpynerdy6294]

@@engr.tonystark3504 hahahahahhaa

[@Hilltycoon]

@@engr.tonystark3504 You were great as well, but that Russia part man.... big mistake!

[@Hilltycoon]

@@williamjordan5554 Died at a young age and kinda went crazy in India. Great commander though!

[@kaijudirector5336]

Julius Caesar would have been proud. Oh also, I'm getting strong Malborough vibes from Belisarius. Might we get one series on Corporal John in the future?

[@Mikko088]

Well for the first battle yes, but in the second one he forgot to build a fortified camp or surround the enemy forces with a wall and thus lost. ;)

[@dragaoastro69]

By far the best History channel in the world. What a gem!

[@IliyanStoychev]

immaculate documentary made from professionals. thank you for your efforts, it was a pleasure to watch.

[@darkscholar625]

I'd love to play a Assassin's Creed game set during this time.

[@chamel9771]

4:14 Justinian wasn't from Thracia and neither Thracia is what's now Serbia. Justinian was from Tauresium, in modern Northern Macedonia. Thracia is nowdays roughly split between Turkey, Greece and Bulgaria.

[@derauserwahlte5402]

Finally a comment who writes about it.

[@gamingdealer9514]

The Justinian you are talking about is this guy step father. There were 2 Justinians.

[@chamel9771]

@@gamingdealer9514 Justinian's step father was Justin I, who was also from what's now Northern Macedonia. The Justinian that I'm talking about is the same as the one in the video, Justinian I, born in Tauresium (Northern Macedonia) in the year 482, the emperor under which Belirsarius served.

[@gierhardtsloan8502]

I really hope the patrons bring forth a video series on heraclius one day, the more attention on byzantine history the better.

[@Tuathadana]

I just love Procopius' narration of his observations and reflections of them. I relate to him so much!

[@StevieJunior]

This is amazing, I am looking forward to the next episode Epic History!

[@rhelyputra4680]

And then we have Napoleon, the ultimate Emperor-general combo

[@mylesjulius4742]

imo I think he is up there with Caesar and Alexander

[@josecipriano3048]

@@mylesjulius4742 Alexander wasn't a good emperor. He overstretched his empire and his men, and soon after his death his empire was dismantled from inside.

[@anirudh177]

@@josecipriano3048 Alexander was always more of a general than an administrator or emperor.

[@NYCfrankie]

Belisarius is an amazing figure he stands tall among the greatest Romans

[@andi2658]

One of the greatest saviors of Holy Terra, his army of Primaris march together with the regent Lord Papa Smurf himself

[@andreymudik2905]

Sorry to inform you but the Justinian Plague has infected all of the Emperor's gene seed reserves, turning all hopes of future military reinforcements to dust. As such from this point onwards the Imperium will be fighting a war againt time.

[@alvinabitria9103]

Great video. I've been very curious on how roman tactics evolved through centuries especially during 400-500s AD. Most documentaries I've seen focused only on roman legionary tactics of early empire. This video is a breath of fresh air and is very informative in my area of interest and curiousity.

[@SaneGuySports]

Such an excellent production. I wish I had this channel as History Cliff Notes back in my day in college.