Byzantine Empire: Justinian and Theodora - Vanquishing the Vandals - Extra History - Part 4

📜 Byzantine Empire: Justinian and Theodora - Part 4 - Extra History
Thirty-nine days after the disastrous Nika Riots ended with the slaughter of 30,000 civilians, Justinian directed the city to rebuild the Hagia Sophia. Together, they built an even greater cathedral - but Justinian was not satisfied. He was called a Roman emperor, but he did not rule Rome itself. He resolved to reconquer the west, starting with Carthage in Africa, which had been conquered by Vandal tribes and turned into the seat of their budding empire. When the cousin of the Vandal king overthrew him for being pro-Roman and a follower of Rome's orthodox Christianity, Justinian had his excuse for war. He stirred up rebellion in the Vandal colonies, creating a distraction while he sent his general Belisarius to Carthage with a small army of men. Belisarius landed successfully and moved on Carthage, winning the support of the local people on his way. Gelimer teamed up with his brothers in two separate attempts to crush Belisarius and drive him out of Carthage, but after both of his brothers died, Gelimer lost his will to fight. He broke, and the Vandal resistance broke with him. Justinian awarded Belisarius a triumph, the greatest honor a Roman general could receive, but it would turn out to be the last formal triumph Rome would ever see.
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[@c477um11]

Gelimer weeping for the loss of his brother is one of those moments that really highlights the importance of perspective in history. On the romans side they are reclaiming what is theirs and throwing out a force which took their lands from them. Gelimer is fighing off an invading force, and watching them overrun his home and take his family from him.

[@theresahall6197]

Well his people probably took it from the Romans

[@MM-vs2et]

Back then, whatever you can control, is yours. No heritage claim or any of that bullshit, so Gelimer is fighting an invading force

[@placeholder8768]

Mureithi Kivuti I’m here before someone responds saying that they did and that the world is controlled by the Jews.

[@Kekian0]

n o stop just stop

[@Kekian0]

n o oh my bad i misread that lol

[@shadoww4818]

A conquering general that ordered him men not to sack the country they were supposed to be liberating? Belisarius really needs a bigger place in history

[@abeedbasheer6680]

Generals do not write histories. Emperors who ride on Generals do. Finally Justinian fell out with Belisarius and he was disgraced and his assistants were killed off. This is the account in the Anecdota of Procopius " The plague which I mentioned in the previous narrative1 was ravaging the population of Byzantium. And the Emperor Justinian was taken very seriously ill, so that it was even reported that he had died. 2 And this report was circulated by rumour and was carried as far as the Roman army. There some of the commanders began to say that, if the Romans should set up a second Justinian as Emperor over them in Byzantium, they would never tolerate it. 3 But a little later it so fell out that the Emperor recovered, and the commanders of the Roman army began to slander one another. 4 For Peter the General and John whom they called the Glutton declared that they had heard Belisarius and Bouzes say those things which I have just mentioned. 5 The Empress Theodora, declaring that these slighting things which the men had said were directed against her, became quite out of patience.2 6 So she straightway summoned them all to Byzantium p45 and made an investigation of the report; and she called Bouzes suddenly into the woman's apartment as if to communicate to him something very important. 7 Now there was a suite of rooms in the Palace, below the ground level, secure and a veritable labyrinth, so that it seemed to resemble Tartarus, where she usually kept in confinement those who had given offence. 8 So Bouzes was hurled into this pit, and in that place he, a man sprung from a line of consuls, remained, forever unaware of time. 9 For as he sat there in the darkness, he could distinguish whether it was day or night, nor could he communicate with any other person. 10 For the man who threw him his food for each day met him in silence, one as dumb as the other, as one beast meets another. 11 And straightway it was supposed by all that he had died, but no one dared mention or recall him. But two years and four months later she was moved to pity and released the man, 12 and he was seen by all as one who had returned from the dead. But thereafter he always suffered from weak sight and his whole body was sickly. 13 Such was the experience of Bouzes. As for Belisarius, though he was convicted of none of the charges, the Emperor, at the insistence of the Empress, relieved him of the command which he held and appointed Martinus to be General of the East in his stead, and instructed him to distribute the spearmen and guards3 of Belisarius and all his servants who were notable men in war to certain p47 of the officers and Palace eunuchs. 14 So these cast lots for them and divided them all up among themselves, arms and all, as each happened to win them. 15 And many of those who had been his friends or had previously served him in some way he forbade to visit Belisarius any longer. 16 And he went about, a sorry and incredible sight, Belisarius a private citizen in Byzantium, practically alone, always pensive and gloomy, and dreading a death by violence.a 17 And the Empress, learning that he had much money in the East, sent one of the Palace eunuchs and had it all brought back. 18 But Antonina, as I have said, had indeed quarrelled with her husband, yet was on terms of closest friendship and intimacy with the Empress, seeing she had recently accomplished the ruin of John the Cappadocian. 19 So the Empress, in her determination to shew favours to Antonina, left nothing undone to have it appear that the woman had interceded successfully for her husband and had rescued him from such overwhelming misfortunes, and to bring it about that she should not only be completely reconciled with the wretched man, but also that she should unequivocally rescue him as though he were a prisoner of war whose life had been saved by her. 20 And it came about as follows. Belisarius had on one occasion come early in the morning to the Palace, accompanied, as was his wont, by a small and pitiful escort. 21 And finding the Emperor and the Empress not well disposed towards him, and also having been insulted there by men of the base and p49 common sort, he departed for his home late in the evening, often turning about as he walked away and looking around in every direction from which he might see his would‑be assassins approaching. 22 In such a state of terror he went up to his chamber and sat down alone upon his couch, thinking not one worthy thought nor even remembering that he had ever been a man, but perspiring constantly, with his head swimming, trembling violently in helpless despair, tortured by servile fears and apprehensions which were both cowardly and wholly unmanly. 23 Meanwhile Antonina, as though not understanding at all what was going on or expecting any of the things which were about to happen, was walking up and down there repeatedly, pleading an attack of indigestion; for they still maintained a suspicious attitude towards one another. 24 In the meantime a man from the Palace, Quadratus by name, arrived after the sun had already set, and passing through the door of the court, suddenly stood by the door of the men's apartments, stating that he had been sent there by the Empress. 25 When Belisarius heard this, he drew up his hands and feet upon the couch and lay there upon his back, completely prepared for destruction; so thoroughly had all his manhood left him. 26 And before Quadratus had come into his presence, he displayed to him a letter from the Empress. 27 And the writing set forth the following. "You know, noble Sir, how you have treated us. But I, for my part, since I am greatly indebted to your wife, have decided to dismiss all these charges against you, giving to her the gift of your life. 28 For the future, then, you may be confident concerning p51 both your life and your property; and we shall know concerning your attitude towards her from your future behaviour." 29 When Belisarius had read this, being transported with joy and at the same time wishing to give immediate evidence of his feelings, he straightway arose and fell on his face before the feet of his wife. 30 And clasping both her knees with either hand and constantly shifting his tongue from one of the woman's ankles to the other, he kept calling her the cause of his life and his salvation, and promising thenceforth to be, not her husband, but her faithful slave. 31 As for his property, the Empress gave thirty centenaria4 of it to the Emperor and restored the remainder to Belisarius. 32 Such, then, was the turn of events in the case of Belisarius the General, the man at once whom not long before Fortune had delivered Gelimer and Vittigis as captives of war. 33 But for a long time back the wealth of this man had been exceedingly irritating to both Justinian and Theodora, as being excessive and worthy of a royal court. 34 And they kept saying that he had hidden away in secret the greater part of the State funds of both Gelimer and Vittigis, and had given only a small and utterly insignificant portion of them to the Emperor. 35 But as they reckoned up the great labours of the man and the slanderous talk in which outsiders would indulge, and since at the same time they could not lay hands on any satisfactory pretext against him, they remained quiet. 36 But just then the Empress, catching him terrified and utterly reduced to cowardice, by a p53 single act brought it about that she became mistress of his entire property. 37 For the two entered forthwith into a relationship by marriage and Joannina, the only daughter of Belisarius, was betrothed to Anastasius, grandson of the Empress.5 38 Now Belisarius made the request that he should receive back his proper office and, upon being designated General of the East, should again lead the Roman army against Chosroes and the Medes, but Antonina would have none of it; for she maintained that she had been insulted by him in those regions, and never would he again set eyes upon them."

[@goyonman9655]

Explain "bigger place"

[@goyonman9655]

@@abeedbasheer6680 That's really sad

[@ianhamilton9600]

Abeed B get a life man

[@fjrecalde30]

definitely

[@ajprime2000]

its impressive that Justinian had the funds to build up his army, rebuild his capital, and march through the countryside paying for his armies provisions as he went, all before he could fatten his treasury with loot and plunder, hell even after buying a massively expensive peace with the persians. john the cappadocian must have been one hell of a tax collector.

[@LaZodiac]

Andrew Blumenfeld John the Cappadocian is genuinely considered one of the greatest tax collectors of all time. An ignoble title to be sure, but damn if the guy didn't do good work.

[@Armendicus]

LaZodiac kind of wanna see a movie about that now. Badass evil tax collector torturing ppl makes an interesting plot.

[@AH-vo2bc]

***** You're goddamn right! The same for today too.

[@sidetracker3496]

His wife Theodora had a lot of endebted friends who where more than "happy" to pay up in exchange for not getting their heads lobbied of for crimes or having their secrets revealed to the empire... or just people who where more than happy to help their friend's husband... anyway that woman was VERY influential.

[@sidetracker3496]

Also the Byzantines where technically the inventors of the concept of compound interest in an economy soo... prety dope when you have new means of taxing the ever living crap out off people and then get more money because you got that money

[@soma4521]

why didn't Justinian just send his chancellor to fabricate a claim on vandal land?

[@AlexGoldhill]

Veni, Vidi, Vici Because that takes too much time, money and prestige. Invading to install a claimant is much easier. I just hope that he landed him first, or otherwise it would have been a bit of a waste.

[@soma4521]

Alex Goldhill Very true, sending your chancellor is a very last resort sorta thing.

[@CypherRCX]

Veni, Vidi, Vici Couldn't he just use a Reconquest or Liberation Casus Belli, considering it was still Roman territory

[@gibzit]

CypherRCX But Tunis isn't part of the Byzantnium's dejure territory.

[@blupolo2389]

They didnt neigbour eachother

[@TheEnergeticPanda]

Honestly this Belasarius guy needs his own series. He's really interesting!

[@kyrudo]

Yeah! Thanks to EH I have a new favorite general!

[@WanderingTayson]

***** i still think is a close race between him and tokugawa. i mean, yes he successfully defeated and army while being closed to being flanked from behind, but come on... he didnt defend a whole castle with only 5 men yelling "come get sum!" lol

[@kyrudo]

Tayson Defas Hmmm.... thats true. We'll have to see what Belasarious does next

[@PanzerIVAE]

Frithmister Well he does have an entire new campaign DLC in Total War Attila completely dedicated to him and his reconquests. Hell you can even revolt against Justinian himself

[@abeedbasheer6680]

Yes His life is really interesting. This is what happened to him as written by Procopius. "The plague which I mentioned in the previous narrative1 was ravaging the population of Byzantium. And the Emperor Justinian was taken very seriously ill, so that it was even reported that he had died. 2 And this report was circulated by rumour and was carried as far as the Roman army. There some of the commanders began to say that, if the Romans should set up a second Justinian as Emperor over them in Byzantium, they would never tolerate it. 3 But a little later it so fell out that the Emperor recovered, and the commanders of the Roman army began to slander one another. 4 For Peter the General and John whom they called the Glutton declared that they had heard Belisarius and Bouzes say those things which I have just mentioned. 5 The Empress Theodora, declaring that these slighting things which the men had said were directed against her, became quite out of patience.2 6 So she straightway summoned them all to Byzantium p45 and made an investigation of the report; and she called Bouzes suddenly into the woman's apartment as if to communicate to him something very important. 7 Now there was a suite of rooms in the Palace, below the ground level, secure and a veritable labyrinth, so that it seemed to resemble Tartarus, where she usually kept in confinement those who had given offence. 8 So Bouzes was hurled into this pit, and in that place he, a man sprung from a line of consuls, remained, forever unaware of time. 9 For as he sat there in the darkness, he could distinguish whether it was day or night, nor could he communicate with any other person. 10 For the man who threw him his food for each day met him in silence, one as dumb as the other, as one beast meets another. 11 And straightway it was supposed by all that he had died, but no one dared mention or recall him. But two years and four months later she was moved to pity and released the man, 12 and he was seen by all as one who had returned from the dead. But thereafter he always suffered from weak sight and his whole body was sickly. 13 Such was the experience of Bouzes. As for Belisarius, though he was convicted of none of the charges, the Emperor, at the insistence of the Empress, relieved him of the command which he held and appointed Martinus to be General of the East in his stead, and instructed him to distribute the spearmen and guards3 of Belisarius and all his servants who were notable men in war to certain p47 of the officers and Palace eunuchs. 14 So these cast lots for them and divided them all up among themselves, arms and all, as each happened to win them. 15 And many of those who had been his friends or had previously served him in some way he forbade to visit Belisarius any longer. 16 And he went about, a sorry and incredible sight, Belisarius a private citizen in Byzantium, practically alone, always pensive and gloomy, and dreading a death by violence.a 17 And the Empress, learning that he had much money in the East, sent one of the Palace eunuchs and had it all brought back. 18 But Antonina, as I have said, had indeed quarrelled with her husband, yet was on terms of closest friendship and intimacy with the Empress, seeing she had recently accomplished the ruin of John the Cappadocian. 19 So the Empress, in her determination to shew favours to Antonina, left nothing undone to have it appear that the woman had interceded successfully for her husband and had rescued him from such overwhelming misfortunes, and to bring it about that she should not only be completely reconciled with the wretched man, but also that she should unequivocally rescue him as though he were a prisoner of war whose life had been saved by her. 20 And it came about as follows. Belisarius had on one occasion come early in the morning to the Palace, accompanied, as was his wont, by a small and pitiful escort. 21 And finding the Emperor and the Empress not well disposed towards him, and also having been insulted there by men of the base and p49 common sort, he departed for his home late in the evening, often turning about as he walked away and looking around in every direction from which he might see his would‑be assassins approaching. 22 In such a state of terror he went up to his chamber and sat down alone upon his couch, thinking not one worthy thought nor even remembering that he had ever been a man, but perspiring constantly, with his head swimming, trembling violently in helpless despair, tortured by servile fears and apprehensions which were both cowardly and wholly unmanly. 23 Meanwhile Antonina, as though not understanding at all what was going on or expecting any of the things which were about to happen, was walking up and down there repeatedly, pleading an attack of indigestion; for they still maintained a suspicious attitude towards one another. 24 In the meantime a man from the Palace, Quadratus by name, arrived after the sun had already set, and passing through the door of the court, suddenly stood by the door of the men's apartments, stating that he had been sent there by the Empress. 25 When Belisarius heard this, he drew up his hands and feet upon the couch and lay there upon his back, completely prepared for destruction; so thoroughly had all his manhood left him. 26 And before Quadratus had come into his presence, he displayed to him a letter from the Empress. 27 And the writing set forth the following. "You know, noble Sir, how you have treated us. But I, for my part, since I am greatly indebted to your wife, have decided to dismiss all these charges against you, giving to her the gift of your life. 28 For the future, then, you may be confident concerning p51 both your life and your property; and we shall know concerning your attitude towards her from your future behaviour." 29 When Belisarius had read this, being transported with joy and at the same time wishing to give immediate evidence of his feelings, he straightway arose and fell on his face before the feet of his wife. 30 And clasping both her knees with either hand and constantly shifting his tongue from one of the woman's ankles to the other, he kept calling her the cause of his life and his salvation, and promising thenceforth to be, not her husband, but her faithful slave. 31 As for his property, the Empress gave thirty centenaria4 of it to the Emperor and restored the remainder to Belisarius. 32 Such, then, was the turn of events in the case of Belisarius the General, the man at once whom not long before Fortune had delivered Gelimer and Vittigis as captives of war. 33 But for a long time back the wealth of this man had been exceedingly irritating to both Justinian and Theodora, as being excessive and worthy of a royal court. 34 And they kept saying that he had hidden away in secret the greater part of the State funds of both Gelimer and Vittigis, and had given only a small and utterly insignificant portion of them to the Emperor. 35 But as they reckoned up the great labours of the man and the slanderous talk in which outsiders would indulge, and since at the same time they could not lay hands on any satisfactory pretext against him, they remained quiet. 36 But just then the Empress, catching him terrified and utterly reduced to cowardice, by a p53 single act brought it about that she became mistress of his entire property. 37 For the two entered forthwith into a relationship by marriage and Joannina, the only daughter of Belisarius, was betrothed to Anastasius, grandson of the Empress.5 38 Now Belisarius made the request that he should receive back his proper office and, upon being designated General of the East, should again lead the Roman army against Chosroes and the Medes, but Antonina would have none of it; for she maintained that she had been insulted by him in those regions, and never would he again set eyes upon them."

[@rainsoakedpuppy]

Belisarius is so epic he can capture people who won't be born for 1200 years.

[@nerdseternal1138]

rainsoakedpuppy he opened up a worm hole due to his Romaness grabbed the guy from England and went " Your going to be trouble in a millennium give our take a few hundred years I can feel it"

[@labrynianrebel]

rainsoakedpuppy How else do you think Justinian got all the money to fund all this crazy stuff? He found a tear in space-time and instructed a bunch of Englishmen to create a scam to get all the future money, since this money would be used to re-conquer the Mediterranean Justinian decided to name the scheme the "South Sea Company", but once Walpole started arresting Justinian's agents and shutting things down, he had Walpole dragged through the space-time tear to be brought to justice, bloody justice.

[@JulienBrightside]

labrynianrebel Sounds like the plot of an obscure science fiction novel.

[@LesterRamos]

Nerds Eternal I guess he was abducted by the Doctor.

[@benjaminortola5756]

+Lester Ramos BELISARIUS IS THE DOCTOR

[@Mr1337sheep]

Justinian hasn't even BEGUN to peak but when he does, you'll know. Justinian's going to peak so hard that everyone in Rome is going to feel it.

[@tenaciousdean6179]

Mr1337sheep That's what Theodora said

[@Dylankeahi]

+Mr1337sheep Make it work Justinian... Make. It. Work.

[@Brandon210-q4n]

+Tenacious Dean Ba-dum tss

[@rarapotatof6908]

Mr1337sheep o

[@shshshshsh5471]

Dylan Johnson Yes.I.Will

[@hagamablabla]

This series is really making me want to go play CK2 again and finish a Byzantine game.

[@ryanboyle4101]

hagamablabla Tried that last episode. There are just so many little territories, and grouping up levies from all over the empire a dozen times for small singular wars really drains my enthusiasm.

[@IainDoc15]

Ryan Boyle Make sure you form all the kingdoms (apart from Greece, that tends to get messy in Succession) then you can get that king's entire levy from one place and you generally don't need to use your entire levy against anybody other than the Caliphate, the Byzantine retinue is one of the best in the game for the people you tend to be fighting against I do admit that dealing with the constant Jihads does start to get a little frustrating though, but I was pretty lazy about offensive wars on the Caliphate once I reformed the Roman Empire

[@hlary8320]

hagamablabla bloody sel'juks or abbasid pick your musliem empire

[@GamermanZendrelax]

hagamablabla Patience, friend. The patch coming in a few days time will invalidate your save.

[@272arshan]

You should try doing one in EU4,'heheh

[@notbobby125]

7:55 It was Walpole.

[@rbran]

notbobby125 Walpole, inventor of time machines, or he is a Time Lord.

[@danmenard6917]

notbobby125 I posit a new game: Where's Walpole instead of Where's Waldo/Wally?

[@jamesvong1449]

notbobby125 Ha ha! That quote though.

[@feldspar1000]

That would be hilarious if they started hiding Walpole somewhere in every EH series from now on.

[@ZaphaQ]

notbobby125 Can someone please explain to me who Walpole is? I've seen comments about him in the last video as well. I've no idea who that guy was or is ?.?

[@hathejoker]

casus belli was mentioned lol. CK2 taught me a lot.

[@professionalpussypetter2929]

***** Heathen!!!

[@navacamal36]

actually, it's more like slow gains, diplomacy, and constant rebellions even though i have killed 5 million people already the jacobins and the comme's keep coming back to germany

[@The_Metal_Hocker]

I thought of EU4 (haven't played ck2)

[@pijusgreicius7025]

I can't really understand CK2 because you control a leader and not a country, so I stick to vic2

[@Sylocat]

It took me a while to process that "Vandal" was actually the name of a tribe. I wonder if the reason it's become a descriptor of criminal activity was Roman propaganda against them.

[@Mynameismegalex]

***** If I remember correctly, the modern use of Vandal came about around I believe the 18th century because of how incredibly brutally the Vandals had sacked and destroyed Rome. It might not have been Rome, it might not have been the 18th century, but that's pretty much how it came about :P

[@marvelfannumber1]

***** The modern use of the word Vandal was first coined during the French Revolution if I remember correctly, it was used to compare the revolutionaries' destruction/pillaging of churches and palaces to the Vandals when they had sacked Rome in 455 A.D. Though in truth, the Vandal sack was far from brutal and destructive. Few (if any) civilians were killed and few buildings were destroyed (which was relatively tame for the time). Most of the buildings of Ancient Rome were actually destroyed by the citizens themselves a century or two after.

[@theslappingbox6302]

***** 'Vandal' the description of a criminal comes from the fact that Vandals sacked Rome. The name became synonymous with one who defiles something, because the Vandals wrecked the largest and arguably greatest city in the Classical Era.

[@FernandoMendoza-dw8nz]

***** It was associated with criminal acts in the enlightenment age. The intellectuals of that time were basically Roman fanboys.

[@labrynianrebel]

***** "Byzantine" is also an English word for something that's really convoluted and complicated.

[@jaypillsbury843]

I can't help but feel sorry for Gellimer.

[@labrynianrebel]

Jake Pillsbury From Wikipedia "Gelimer surrendered to Belisarius and accepted the Romans' offer of vast estates in Galatia where he lived to be an old man." So at least they didn't kill him.

[@Th3LadyD]

+Jake Pillsbury Me too. :(

[@IronCow8]

You sir are a heretic

[@thornangel16]

That's good for him. Still though, he was probably still bitter and sad about the loss of his brothers.

[@lowkeytehgoodfomicechef2885]

Ikr

[@TycoonTitian01]

7:52 This is my fourth rewatch, and I finally found Walpole

[@dragonpower0]

“Vanity of vanities, all is vanity.” Ecclesiastes 1:2. Who knew?

[@Mbd3Bal7dod]

+TheDraconicWyvern what dose it mean ?? pls any one

[@Arkylie]

I don't know about its use in this instance, but Ecclesiastes is a book written by King Solomon, coming from a time when he was about as far from God's viewpoint as he could possibly be. God had granted him great wisdom, but when he delved into sin and hedonism he lost sight of that, and soon found that nothing could satisfy or delight him anymore. He had tons of wives and a giant harem, and the most luscious gardens to enjoy, and apes and peacocks... just everything that could have made him happy, but nothing did. So he wrote the book of Ecclesiastes from the point of view of a person divorced from God -- a person in the grips of materialism lust and the realization that nothing is pure, nothing good, nothing lasting. Treasure gets stolen or rusts away, buildings crumble, people can't be trusted, and everything ages and dies. "All is vanity" because without some greater guiding force promising a greater existence than this mortal one, it's all pointless. Some people think it's enough that we are remembered, but how much do you even know about your great-grandmother, for all she did to care for your family? In these histories, how little we understand even of the great movers and shakers -- a pale shadow of what they were. And given enough time, even that fades away. Look up Ozymandias. So... that's what the quote means, in the context I'm familiar with, anyway. It's another way of saying "This, too, shall pass": No matter how horrible your circumstances, or how wonderful, give them time and they will be vastly different; the present is no guarantee of the future. These histories should teach you nothing if not that.

[@percussionfellow6168]

@@Arkylie Beautifully said. Tomorrow will always be a different day, and fortunes change in the blink of an eye. Everything will be different tomorrow. Nothing will be different in a millennium.

[@bobjimboob6920]

@@percussionfellow6168 Nihil novi sub sole. Ecclesiastes 1:10 (or 1:9 in usual translation).

[@AnaPaula-rn9et]

Poor Gelimer... it’s sad the man lost 2 brothers and a kingdom.

[@conagherdenson2194]

Shouldn't of fucked with the romans should he?

[@bumsmeller7950]

The Political Agitator pretty much,

[@ChickenWilickers]

Barbarians "Hey Belisarius want to be the western roman emperor?" Belisarius "Sure thing, let me talk to you with my honour guard" *guts the enemy* "I declare the city for Justinian" Justinian "That was really cool what you did, but...." Belisarius "But...?" Justinian "Well you did accept the offer" Belisarius "So that I could take the city" Justinian "But you did accept right?" Belisarius "I suppose" Justinian "Well you better cede control of your legions and come back to Byzantium to retir-- to rest with your good friend the emperor and his loyal forces in his heavily fortified loyal city" Justinian "Sigh.... alright as long as your head stays in one place and your wife stops flashing people"

[@Redem10]

I must say if Justinian effectively had the contra code, I think that would explain a lot

[@jaypillsbury843]

Redem10 It's actually called the Konami Code. It was in Contra, but first appeared (I believe) in a side-scrolling shooter called Gradius. They have used it in many other games as well.

[@paddyfletcher-dobson1689]

You forgot to mention, in my opinion, one of the greatest feats of Justinian's reign. The Hagia Sophia was built in 6 years, whereas for comparison the York Minster, which is of similar size, took two and a half centuries. This guy was truly amazing

[@ShadowMXify]

*7:58** who is the prisoner in the middle?* *WALPOLE*

[@crylec6534]

i just about to say that :D

[@shannoncollins7480]

Robert walpole

[@robertwalpole360]

Don't ask how that happened.

[@crylec6534]

Robert Walpole damn walpole

[@azelfdaboi5265]

Robert Walpole how Walpole, how

[@hcn6708]

6:10 YOUR UNITS NEED ORDERS!

[@Pikazilla]

yeah, we americans lost Afghanistan because we just bombed the fuck out of the country: forgetting that there are people living within that country that just want a happy life. This Bel guy knew how to fight a war: with politics not power.

[@AppleBiscuits]

Don't know whose ass you're talking about. America didn't "lose" in Afghanistan, it just left because the casualties were too high compared to potential gains. Belisarius wasn't fighting a force of guerilla warriors capable of killing men from hundreds of feet away in seconds. Also, bureaucracy was the main fault of many failures in the Afghan campaign; rules of engagement and the like. Ask anybody in the armed forces.

[@Pikazilla]

conventional warfare and guerilla warfare are both based on politics. WW2 was conventional, but there were guerillas; Ho Chi Minh in Vietnam (yes, he fought in WW2), Charles de Gaulle in France, and after the war the British Empire began collapsing. Also the Axis Forces were overwhelmed because, internationally, more nations and their people would rather avoid fascism than to get invaded by it. It was so easy for people to hate the Nazis because they have done so much unpopular things. When the Nazi Empire shrank, its former territories gladly defected to the Allies instead of resisting them.

[@AH-vo2bc]

Pika Zilla That's true, but what has this to do with the video? It is a completely different war, with different motives and interests.

[@AH-vo2bc]

Arcralf If you are the attacker and you leave, then you have lost the war.

[@Pikazilla]

Hoho-There-Lover-Boy if you leave and the puppet government you leave behind get fucked over by rebels, yeah that's a total lost.

[@chronoloco2032]

Yay! New episode comes out on my birthday!

[@fluffertron4281]

Chronoloco happy birthday :)

[@walotheman1]

Happy birthday, mate!

[@AppleBiscuits]

Yay! You're a year closer to death! -I'm joking, of course.-

[@RKStrikerJK5]

Chronoloco Happy birthday. :)

[@Tarik360]

4:15 AND FOR SOME REASON, THIS GENERAL IS FORGOTTEN. I got my self a new favourite historical figure.

[@slendy9600]

so now a few months later do you still think that or has Admiral Yi replaced him? XD seriously though id love to see what would happen if those two met in battle

[@Tarik360]

Replaced? Don't you mean added? A lot of generals and emperors back then are pretty damned inspiring.

[@abeedbasheer6680]

He was used and thrown away by Emperor Justinian. This is what happened to him later. This was written by Procopious " The plague which I mentioned in the previous narrative1 was ravaging the population of Byzantium. And the Emperor Justinian was taken very seriously ill, so that it was even reported that he had died. 2 And this report was circulated by rumour and was carried as far as the Roman army. There some of the commanders began to say that, if the Romans should set up a second Justinian as Emperor over them in Byzantium, they would never tolerate it. 3 But a little later it so fell out that the Emperor recovered, and the commanders of the Roman army began to slander one another. 4 For Peter the General and John whom they called the Glutton declared that they had heard Belisarius and Bouzes say those things which I have just mentioned. 5 The Empress Theodora, declaring that these slighting things which the men had said were directed against her, became quite out of patience.2 6 So she straightway summoned them all to Byzantium p45 and made an investigation of the report; and she called Bouzes suddenly into the woman's apartment as if to communicate to him something very important. 7 Now there was a suite of rooms in the Palace, below the ground level, secure and a veritable labyrinth, so that it seemed to resemble Tartarus, where she usually kept in confinement those who had given offence. 8 So Bouzes was hurled into this pit, and in that place he, a man sprung from a line of consuls, remained, forever unaware of time. 9 For as he sat there in the darkness, he could distinguish whether it was day or night, nor could he communicate with any other person. 10 For the man who threw him his food for each day met him in silence, one as dumb as the other, as one beast meets another. 11 And straightway it was supposed by all that he had died, but no one dared mention or recall him. But two years and four months later she was moved to pity and released the man, 12 and he was seen by all as one who had returned from the dead. But thereafter he always suffered from weak sight and his whole body was sickly. 13 Such was the experience of Bouzes. As for Belisarius, though he was convicted of none of the charges, the Emperor, at the insistence of the Empress, relieved him of the command which he held and appointed Martinus to be General of the East in his stead, and instructed him to distribute the spearmen and guards3 of Belisarius and all his servants who were notable men in war to certain p47 of the officers and Palace eunuchs. 14 So these cast lots for them and divided them all up among themselves, arms and all, as each happened to win them. 15 And many of those who had been his friends or had previously served him in some way he forbade to visit Belisarius any longer. 16 And he went about, a sorry and incredible sight, Belisarius a private citizen in Byzantium, practically alone, always pensive and gloomy, and dreading a death by violence.a 17 And the Empress, learning that he had much money in the East, sent one of the Palace eunuchs and had it all brought back. 18 But Antonina, as I have said, had indeed quarrelled with her husband, yet was on terms of closest friendship and intimacy with the Empress, seeing she had recently accomplished the ruin of John the Cappadocian. 19 So the Empress, in her determination to shew favours to Antonina, left nothing undone to have it appear that the woman had interceded successfully for her husband and had rescued him from such overwhelming misfortunes, and to bring it about that she should not only be completely reconciled with the wretched man, but also that she should unequivocally rescue him as though he were a prisoner of war whose life had been saved by her. 20 And it came about as follows. Belisarius had on one occasion come early in the morning to the Palace, accompanied, as was his wont, by a small and pitiful escort. 21 And finding the Emperor and the Empress not well disposed towards him, and also having been insulted there by men of the base and p49 common sort, he departed for his home late in the evening, often turning about as he walked away and looking around in every direction from which he might see his would‑be assassins approaching. 22 In such a state of terror he went up to his chamber and sat down alone upon his couch, thinking not one worthy thought nor even remembering that he had ever been a man, but perspiring constantly, with his head swimming, trembling violently in helpless despair, tortured by servile fears and apprehensions which were both cowardly and wholly unmanly. 23 Meanwhile Antonina, as though not understanding at all what was going on or expecting any of the things which were about to happen, was walking up and down there repeatedly, pleading an attack of indigestion; for they still maintained a suspicious attitude towards one another. 24 In the meantime a man from the Palace, Quadratus by name, arrived after the sun had already set, and passing through the door of the court, suddenly stood by the door of the men's apartments, stating that he had been sent there by the Empress. 25 When Belisarius heard this, he drew up his hands and feet upon the couch and lay there upon his back, completely prepared for destruction; so thoroughly had all his manhood left him. 26 And before Quadratus had come into his presence, he displayed to him a letter from the Empress. 27 And the writing set forth the following. "You know, noble Sir, how you have treated us. But I, for my part, since I am greatly indebted to your wife, have decided to dismiss all these charges against you, giving to her the gift of your life. 28 For the future, then, you may be confident concerning p51 both your life and your property; and we shall know concerning your attitude towards her from your future behaviour." 29 When Belisarius had read this, being transported with joy and at the same time wishing to give immediate evidence of his feelings, he straightway arose and fell on his face before the feet of his wife. 30 And clasping both her knees with either hand and constantly shifting his tongue from one of the woman's ankles to the other, he kept calling her the cause of his life and his salvation, and promising thenceforth to be, not her husband, but her faithful slave. 31 As for his property, the Empress gave thirty centenaria4 of it to the Emperor and restored the remainder to Belisarius. 32 Such, then, was the turn of events in the case of Belisarius the General, the man at once whom not long before Fortune had delivered Gelimer and Vittigis as captives of war. 33 But for a long time back the wealth of this man had been exceedingly irritating to both Justinian and Theodora, as being excessive and worthy of a royal court. 34 And they kept saying that he had hidden away in secret the greater part of the State funds of both Gelimer and Vittigis, and had given only a small and utterly insignificant portion of them to the Emperor. 35 But as they reckoned up the great labours of the man and the slanderous talk in which outsiders would indulge, and since at the same time they could not lay hands on any satisfactory pretext against him, they remained quiet. 36 But just then the Empress, catching him terrified and utterly reduced to cowardice, by a p53 single act brought it about that she became mistress of his entire property. 37 For the two entered forthwith into a relationship by marriage and Joannina, the only daughter of Belisarius, was betrothed to Anastasius, grandson of the Empress.5 38 Now Belisarius made the request that he should receive back his proper office and, upon being designated General of the East, should again lead the Roman army against Chosroes and the Medes, but Antonina would have none of it; for she maintained that she had been insulted by him in those regions, and never would he again set eyes upon them."

[@BeastlyOliveSweater]

At 7:39 there's a dot above the "K".

[@hoodiesticks]

1:29 Stable? Africa? My, how times have changed.

[@awesometello9966]

〈-thatguyoverthere how stable was merica

[@zatorith]

〈-thatguyoverthere North Africa, big difference

[@QuikVidGuy]

Africa has the most dense collection of natural resources and some of the lowest density populations, they got FUCKED up in the 1400s-on

[@josi3226]

Tunis was a pretty chill place back then.

[@goranperssonfanaccount1956]

Fredrik Dunge no the arabs didn't destroy north africa, it remained prosperous. The arab conquests were far from the worst conquests north africa had seen. Just look at the fall of carthage, far more destructive

[@Victor_Andrei]

*Justinian, upon seeing the Hagia Sophia converted into a mosque:* Belisarius, get the cross.

[@justinianthegreatandnerd6377]

yep

[@erttheking]

6:09 Well that's...depressing.

[@shshshshsh5471]

erttheking It is

[@WhimsyHeath]

"vanity of vanities" is a reference to ecclesiastes! (vanity being in the KJV)

[@abeedbasheer6680]

"vanity of vanities" really came true in the case of Bellisarius according to the Anecdota of Procopius " The plague which I mentioned in the previous narrative1 was ravaging the population of Byzantium. And the Emperor Justinian was taken very seriously ill, so that it was even reported that he had died. 2 And this report was circulated by rumour and was carried as far as the Roman army. There some of the commanders began to say that, if the Romans should set up a second Justinian as Emperor over them in Byzantium, they would never tolerate it. 3 But a little later it so fell out that the Emperor recovered, and the commanders of the Roman army began to slander one another. 4 For Peter the General and John whom they called the Glutton declared that they had heard Belisarius and Bouzes say those things which I have just mentioned. 5 The Empress Theodora, declaring that these slighting things which the men had said were directed against her, became quite out of patience.2 6 So she straightway summoned them all to Byzantium p45 and made an investigation of the report; and she called Bouzes suddenly into the woman's apartment as if to communicate to him something very important. 7 Now there was a suite of rooms in the Palace, below the ground level, secure and a veritable labyrinth, so that it seemed to resemble Tartarus, where she usually kept in confinement those who had given offence. 8 So Bouzes was hurled into this pit, and in that place he, a man sprung from a line of consuls, remained, forever unaware of time. 9 For as he sat there in the darkness, he could distinguish whether it was day or night, nor could he communicate with any other person. 10 For the man who threw him his food for each day met him in silence, one as dumb as the other, as one beast meets another. 11 And straightway it was supposed by all that he had died, but no one dared mention or recall him. But two years and four months later she was moved to pity and released the man, 12 and he was seen by all as one who had returned from the dead. But thereafter he always suffered from weak sight and his whole body was sickly. 13 Such was the experience of Bouzes. As for Belisarius, though he was convicted of none of the charges, the Emperor, at the insistence of the Empress, relieved him of the command which he held and appointed Martinus to be General of the East in his stead, and instructed him to distribute the spearmen and guards3 of Belisarius and all his servants who were notable men in war to certain p47 of the officers and Palace eunuchs. 14 So these cast lots for them and divided them all up among themselves, arms and all, as each happened to win them. 15 And many of those who had been his friends or had previously served him in some way he forbade to visit Belisarius any longer. 16 And he went about, a sorry and incredible sight, Belisarius a private citizen in Byzantium, practically alone, always pensive and gloomy, and dreading a death by violence.a 17 And the Empress, learning that he had much money in the East, sent one of the Palace eunuchs and had it all brought back. 18 But Antonina, as I have said, had indeed quarrelled with her husband, yet was on terms of closest friendship and intimacy with the Empress, seeing she had recently accomplished the ruin of John the Cappadocian. 19 So the Empress, in her determination to shew favours to Antonina, left nothing undone to have it appear that the woman had interceded successfully for her husband and had rescued him from such overwhelming misfortunes, and to bring it about that she should not only be completely reconciled with the wretched man, but also that she should unequivocally rescue him as though he were a prisoner of war whose life had been saved by her. 20 And it came about as follows. Belisarius had on one occasion come early in the morning to the Palace, accompanied, as was his wont, by a small and pitiful escort. 21 And finding the Emperor and the Empress not well disposed towards him, and also having been insulted there by men of the base and p49 common sort, he departed for his home late in the evening, often turning about as he walked away and looking around in every direction from which he might see his would‑be assassins approaching. 22 In such a state of terror he went up to his chamber and sat down alone upon his couch, thinking not one worthy thought nor even remembering that he had ever been a man, but perspiring constantly, with his head swimming, trembling violently in helpless despair, tortured by servile fears and apprehensions which were both cowardly and wholly unmanly. 23 Meanwhile Antonina, as though not understanding at all what was going on or expecting any of the things which were about to happen, was walking up and down there repeatedly, pleading an attack of indigestion; for they still maintained a suspicious attitude towards one another. 24 In the meantime a man from the Palace, Quadratus by name, arrived after the sun had already set, and passing through the door of the court, suddenly stood by the door of the men's apartments, stating that he had been sent there by the Empress. 25 When Belisarius heard this, he drew up his hands and feet upon the couch and lay there upon his back, completely prepared for destruction; so thoroughly had all his manhood left him. 26 And before Quadratus had come into his presence, he displayed to him a letter from the Empress. 27 And the writing set forth the following. "You know, noble Sir, how you have treated us. But I, for my part, since I am greatly indebted to your wife, have decided to dismiss all these charges against you, giving to her the gift of your life. 28 For the future, then, you may be confident concerning p51 both your life and your property; and we shall know concerning your attitude towards her from your future behaviour." 29 When Belisarius had read this, being transported with joy and at the same time wishing to give immediate evidence of his feelings, he straightway arose and fell on his face before the feet of his wife. 30 And clasping both her knees with either hand and constantly shifting his tongue from one of the woman's ankles to the other, he kept calling her the cause of his life and his salvation, and promising thenceforth to be, not her husband, but her faithful slave. 31 As for his property, the Empress gave thirty centenaria4 of it to the Emperor and restored the remainder to Belisarius. 32 Such, then, was the turn of events in the case of Belisarius the General, the man at once whom not long before Fortune had delivered Gelimer and Vittigis as captives of war. 33 But for a long time back the wealth of this man had been exceedingly irritating to both Justinian and Theodora, as being excessive and worthy of a royal court. 34 And they kept saying that he had hidden away in secret the greater part of the State funds of both Gelimer and Vittigis, and had given only a small and utterly insignificant portion of them to the Emperor. 35 But as they reckoned up the great labours of the man and the slanderous talk in which outsiders would indulge, and since at the same time they could not lay hands on any satisfactory pretext against him, they remained quiet. 36 But just then the Empress, catching him terrified and utterly reduced to cowardice, by a p53 single act brought it about that she became mistress of his entire property. 37 For the two entered forthwith into a relationship by marriage and Joannina, the only daughter of Belisarius, was betrothed to Anastasius, grandson of the Empress.5 38 Now Belisarius made the request that he should receive back his proper office and, upon being designated General of the East, should again lead the Roman army against Chosroes and the Medes, but Antonina would have none of it; for she maintained that she had been insulted by him in those regions, and never would he again set eyes upon them." Finally Belisarius the general became just a slave

[@franzluggin398]

An apothecary's scale actually has the "stronger"/heavier side push down more and so the side that is further down would be the one that tipped the battle in their favor. Great series!

[@groynin]

Hell, I want a movie about Belisarius, he's such a badass.

[@Ahmadabdal_]

7:57 something looks out of place.can you spot it?

[@islamispeace333]

It's Walpole...

[@acebalistic1358]

WALPOLE

[@famweefood7073]

WHOSE THAT POKEMON... IT'S WALPOLE

[@crow2464]

Wallpole the sad time traveler

[@DarkMagician10000]

Who helped Gelimer escape the first battle? (Hint: Check 8:00)

[@grfrjiglstan]

Yomiel Shields SPOILERS (Walpole, it was Walpole.)

[@jumbochamploon2591]

Yomiel Shields it was walpole!

[@robertwalpole360]

Possibly. ;)

[@tatutiainen4287]

We all know its walpole

[@kawecknius1499]

lemme guess IT WAS WALPOLE

[@firepoisonsteel]

7:55. Look at the second person Belisarius is holding. IT WAS WALLPOLE!

[@GregTom2]

"Vanity of vanities, everything is vanity" is a quote from the book of eclesiastes in the bible. Not only does it say: "was all of this just for your personal glory?", it also says "why do you wage war against your fellow christians?"

[@MrMurc2]

at 3:45 did anyone else notice the bad ass holding a sword with a hand holding a sword?

[@NavnikBHSilver]

You're a great story teller, and the visuals drive it home... although, I can only scarcely imagine the real world scenario's that went down. Regardless of that, great story, and great telling.

[@frostyguy1989]

Today "vandal" is a byword for senseless destruction and vile desecration. But the real life Vandals really weren't that bad. By all accounts, their conquest of North Africa was pretty mellow compared to what was happening in Western Europe, and they actually ran North Africa pretty well. But they run just one little raid into Rome...

[@ProvidenceNL]

the only thing the romans needed to do to beat the vandals and not fail like the 100.000 men before them, is not place an utter incompetent at the head of the effort, like the man who led the former force.

[@neurofiedyamato8763]

6:02 that's is pretty darn sad...

[@Belisariuslover]

I KNOW 😢😭😭😭

[@ekimarcher]

I usually don't find history things like this that interesting but I just can't wait for each new episode to come out. Great job!

[@FistoftheSnackBar]

Man! I want a box of bro troops!

[@landodando5610]

2:03 that’s how the mafia works

[@waternapkinvondushenhofen8717]

+Extra Credits I utterly admire the efforts and work you put in those magnificent downloads of historical marvel :) The intriguing and adapted manner in which you deliver the material is evidently delightful

[@TheJboy88]

I wonder how the Vandal's might have fared if their leader hadn't been so grief-stricken by the loss of his brother?

[@Unahim]

Jay That part sounded a bit farfetched to me. He found the body and identified it on a huge battlefield, just happening upon it? Most likely historians don't know why exactly they lost and just started telling stories about it. I expect to hear something like that in the Lies episode.

[@tenaciousdean6179]

Unahim He would have been pretty identifiable on a battlefield due to having some kingly armour or headgear that separated him from the rest of the men. Not to mention the fact that he probably had some elite guard riding along his side.

[@272arshan]

Brothers generally fight very close together, and generals often deck themselves out in the most impressive armor, so it's actually very easy to spot someone of high position. It's the dregs you have trouble sorting through.

[@Unahim]

***** Sure, if this is a completely flat battlefield and his armour stayed sparkly rather than him lying behind a hill covered in the dirt of half the army walking over him on their way past...

[@braith117]

Unahim The battlefield in question was a field of slaughter stretching several miles, courtesy of John the Armenian.

[@jennydeng593]

U make history so fun to learn

[@nickjohnsontx]

To speak informally, I have some serious feels for Gelimer right now.

[@vizthex]

I've always loved this series, as you get to learn history (Watched extra credits, got A+ in history class) and I like the different memes & stuff they use, it also makes it funny sometimes.

[@AtmaDragoon]

6:56 I think this is my favorite part this episode. XD

[@8ballentertainment.885]

7:58. It second man on the captives……… it was Walpole!!!!!!😂😂😱😱😱

[@Dahxelb]

These extra history episodes are amazing! I've Really enjoyed this last series about this roman emperor. I understand why you guys like this time period of history so much. And to think that this is not a well known story! Can't wait for the next episode. Amazing work as always guys. May you never stop producing high-quality, educational history videos.

[@AJ-et3vf]

Awesome video! Thank you!

[@XJS1982]

I'm surprised you didn't mention Gaiseric in the rise of the Vandal Kingdom since he was instrumental in not only the rise but also in establishing as a credible threat and a naval power in the Mediterranean.

[@Mateo-oq7ui]

Guess this Vandals got... *puts sunglasses on*...Vandalized. YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAH!

[@azelfdaboi5265]

No

[@Art1611]

This is so interesting! I can't get enough of this video!

[@josephhalbohn5962]

“Vanity of vanities, all is vanity” Ecclesiastes 1:2

[@WholeGrainOwned]

I appreciate your playlist composition, I can actually play a playlist in order from start to finish instead of finish to start.

[@NinjaLobsterStudios]

I don't know what it is about their design, but I just love looking at the drawn animals. So much better than anything I can draw XD

[@wilfredomartinez4788]

Bellisarius continues to impress me not just with his tactics, but with his sense of honor! Also, the cutest part on these cartoons are the horsies. :D

[@jesternario]

4:10 Belisarius is a genius

[@OmegaLittleBob]

This might be my favorite Extra History series ever!

[@jota357]

Would be great if you guys did a series about the tragic heroes of the West such as Stillicho, Aetius and Majorian.

[@MyViolador]

Belisarius is the definition of a hard carry

[@cordoba7]

It's interesting I feel like in the end Justinian should have put all his resources into fighting the sassanids and trying to win not reach a stalemate.

[@gregpatterson8034]

I love your extra history series great job on the history

[@bobthecopywriter]

This is awesome. I've been trying to explain Byzantine history to my 10 year old daughter. This is excellent work. Thank you for creating this.

[@stuka80]

Bob Barnwell why are you trying to explain to her Byzantine history if you dont mind me asking?

[@bobthecopywriter]

Explaining different Christian traditions, such as the Orthodox.

[@darreljones8645]

@2:37: And now you know where the word "vandalize" comes from.

[@thebritishempire3975]

7:54 Guess who's there? That's right Wallpole

[@AegixDrakan]

That hand-phone gesture thing made me crack up. XD

[@Ben_G_Biegler]

I love this channel keep up the great work

[@williamsledge3151]

3:30 best command ever!

[@tekguru8]

As usual, another awesome episode. If I thought there was some way you could make these faster and not compromise quality, I'd donate more..

[@jeehooahn9114]

your channel is better than TV. Thank KZbin, thank google, thank the original two founders of youtube, thank patreon, and mostly, thank you.

[@orangebandit-skyrim5415]

bro Gelimer should've really stopped bringing his brothers on these attacks

[@C4s4ndr4]

I would love to see a series dealing with some of the Vandal kings and how they conquered Rome. Would be cool to hear the other side too. ^^

[@CazTheGamerGuy]

7:54 IT WAS WALPOLE!

[@WitcherGerd]

7:16 the Irish would be proud (this was theirs and Scotland’s way of warfare at the time)

[@Slayer_Jesse]

The way Dan says "reconquest" sounds more like Recon Quest. Good name for a game...

[@dangersnail5839]

I like how at 3:58 Corsica doesn’t exist

[@canadianrocketman3475]

Are you blind?

[@treblestream3432]

“Vanity of vanities all is vanity. Gelimer knows his words

[@OOZ662]

I adore how EC draws horses.

[@sakisanja]

0:43 That icon is from Sid Meier's Civilization V.

[@thelittlestmig3394]

Belisarius captured Walpole! I guess luck can run out for even the most lucky ones. 7:58

[@michaelfisher7170]

From what I've read, Justinian, while giving Belisaurius his triumph, denied him the honor of riding in a chariot. The general had to march, on foot, through the Golden Gate and down the Mese.

[@erttheking]

2:55 Oh just go the way of Crusader Kings II. Have an agent slip into the territory you want to conquer and forge a claim for the land.

[@aidanwong8425]

at 0:26 Admiral Yi is there!

[@JoshTheno]

You guys are such good story tellers

[@mkosmala1309]

I recommend the 'Belisarius' series by Paolo A Belzoni. Great books for a truly noble man. Quite anxious for the third to round out the trilogy, but the first two cover through this point.

[@yourfavoritecword8375]

I have watched this video countless of times. However, every time I see the thumbnail, I can hear Mr. Krabs saying "Well these claws ain't just for attractin' mates!"

[@miguelmateus5258]

Hi there! I am Portuguese and I see that usually, the Portuguese Empire is not spoken about so much... Yes, I know that it was less important then many others, but I would be so glad to see videos about it, and made by a good channel. I dont know what you know about it, but here is just a little glimpse about it: Wars with the Dutch; Loss and then gain of Independence from the Spanish Empire, First safe route (away from Muslims) to India, colonization of Eastern and Western cost of Africa, and the nowadays South Africa (lost in wars and agreements), Colonization of Asian islands and cities, reaching Japan (some japanese words have portuguese origin and we introduced fire weapons in the country), Brazil, Madeira, Azores, Terra Nova (in Canada), the participation in the Invincible Armada, the failure of the conquest in North Africa (Magrebe), Colombo (refused by the Portuguese king, and then going to the Spanish)......... so many things..... please do a video and respond to this comment so I can know that you at least read it...

[@RasenFemme]

It just struck me why David's art style feels so familiar to me. It was the gritted teeth he drew on Justinian around the 2:50-3:00 mark. It reminds me of a series of kids' books I read called Captain Underpants. It's not the same guy, of course, but it's been bothering me ever since the World War I series. That said, I like these videos way more than those books, both in art and content.

[@mojavedesert8723]

For all of you who might be confused, the Carthage they are talking about is a different Carthage that burned and it's earth salted. Basically its New Carthage built near the old one.

[@sarasamaletdin4574]

The salting is a myth.

[@richmondmemedepot7180]

7:22 why is belisarius lighter on the scale

[@fluance_dlx4473]

I just realized that at 7:58 Walpole is the second slave that Belisarius has on the rope.

[@firezouave4974]

"Go kill everything in that direction!"

[@AdamLaduzko]

7:01 I’m loving those iPhones

[@mossyourlocalbleachbottle2098]

7:59 Walpole

[@Drigger95]

Would love it if you did a series on the Arab conquests.

[@cesaramarilla7031]

Thankyou for this.

[@ChristianPretorius]

Loving these episodes!! Please keep them coming!

[@clyran5507]

But what vandal decided to attack Rome ? Spoiler : It was Walpole.

[@robertwalpole360]

They see me rollin' . . .

[@daswordofgork9823]

on a segway

[@azelfdaboi5265]

@@robertwalpole360 Walpole stop being an enemy

[@ciaranjamiesonfamily-frien5144]

Luckily Bismark has a plan