The Fall of Byzantium - Documentary

[@Fireoflearning]

2 points about Constantine XI Palaiologos (Rome's/Byzantium's last Emperor): 1. Did he actually die in battle? Probably, yes. According to two primary sources (Michael Kritobulus and Georgios Sphrantzes in particular), he resisted offers to surrender, saying that he and his men had chosen to die of their own free will, and was last seen tearing off his imperial regalia right before the end, so as to look like a common soldier. It's possible that he committed suicide or fled, but the fact that the Turks were unable to find his body, and that he was never heard from again, to me suggests that the greatest likelihood is that he fell in battle dressed as a common soldier much as the sources say. This would be a natural assumption even if the sources didn't claim it because the body was never found. 2. Did he actually give the speech often attributed to him? Very likely not. In fact, the speech is said to have been written down by Sphranztes later on, but even that is not exactly true. Another important primary source was an Italian Bishop present in the city at the time, Leonard of Chios, who may (probably) have exaggerated and embellished some things. Long story short, Constantine XI may have given a speech before the city fell. If so, he would've probably talked about the things I said in the video he did, but it's impossible to say for sure. I doubt, that in a chaotic, stressful, and terrifying situation, it would've been so well composed, and I doubt even more that someone would be meticulously writing it down verbatim, but it may be along the lines of things he actually said. They likely took the truth about what happened to their graves. Still important, and fun, to speculate, though.

[@theprogenitor951]

Do you have a podcast? I'm a huge need for Roman/Byzantine history.

[@jersood9059]

No, he has only playlists: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jXzTgoWOmdt0p68

[@jersood9059]

@koksal ceylan what’s the sauce? You know, looking at your Turkish nickname, I deeply doubt you had it.

[@jersood9059]

How did we lie about ottomans, huh? Now it’s actually much better opinion about Ottoman Empire then it was centuries before when Christian Europe had fought against you.

[@jersood9059]

You still didn’t show the source

[@RomanHistoryFan476AD]

that last byzantine Emperor died like how any great last ruler should, fighting among his men defending his capital, a more greater and honourable death more fitting than the last emperor of the west.

[@Wallyworld30]

I'm glad they went out with a Roar instead of a whimper like the Western Roman Empire did.

[@robotube7361]

@Chaon He was not Greek. He was Roman. Today country of Greece is a Western construct and had nothing to do with the Roman Empire

[@icecoldpolitics8890]

@Chaon though the roman identity survived well into the the 1800's with most Greeks and many Mediterranean people calling themselves Roman for many centuries after the fall of the last Roman hold out at Trebizond

[@geesixnine]

@@Wallyworld30 at least Flavius Ætius held the title of the last Roman Hero, just like Achilles.

[@BALLARDTWIN]

I don't know I heard he hung himself

[@MikeiusOfficial]

From a Greek watching this on Easter Sunday in tears, thank you.

[@monkey_ona_donkey6272]

What the Fact !????

[@randommuslim2149]

Them greek tears are delicious

[@crespossss]

@@randommuslim2149 why delicious??!

[@randommuslim2149]

@@crespossss Because Mehmet the Conqueror took Constantinople from the christians and that's a great victory for the muslims around the world

[@dennishamurcu4334]

@@randommuslim2149 the Middle East has turned into the most discussed topic in the news for decades now. And that is not for a good reason. Our region has turned into a battlefield full of Islamic dictatorships. Some of these countries do not even respect basic human rights and the countries that do not obey the United States like a dog have basically turned into a shithole with people starving from hunger and afraid for the dangerous circumstances they live in. I'm Turkish myself and I personally think the Middle East has turned into one of the worst regions in the planet. The fact that we conquered a Christian city in the past doesn't change shit. We will first have to get rid of radical Islamic ideologies

[@KingPyrrhus]

Imagining Emperor Constantine XI's last stand.. *manly tears*

[@christianenglert1620]

Funny, I never took you as a fan of Rome

[@adrianjezierski8093]

And crusaders...

[@doyelrefmeper4768]

​@@hyong-qc3ss I would hardly call Byzantium a "week" civilisation. Their civilisation survived 1000 years and, during that period, were protecting themselves from various adversities on their western and eastern frontiers. The only reason their entire empire fell in the 1400s to the "Muslim hordes" was because they were irreparably weakened by the Fourth Crusade. If they were weak, they would have fallen to the many empires that were consistently raiding their frontiers long before the sack of Constantinople, much like how the Western Roman Empire did a full millennium before the Eastern Roman Empire fell.

[@BALLARDTWIN]

@@hyong-qc3ss Muslims were not "hordes" ok! They were technologically more advanced and better equipped than their foe on many occasions Mehmeds cannons were so damn big it took 3 fucking hours to load them those walls were finished whether someone left the doors open or not Ottomans were just stronger and better than Romans Byzantium was weak and perished Happens everytime in history Get over it

[@BALLARDTWIN]

@@doyelrefmeper4768 rashidun caliphate a bunch of desert nomads wearing cloth for armour annihilated both sassanids and Byzantium simultaneously!! Despite the fact that they were exhausted they fielded armies 3 to 4 times larger than the Muslims and they still lost I still think ottomans would have destroyed them whether the crusaders attacked or if they didnt ottomans were growing too fast at that point It was inevitable

[@totustuus5279]

“Yup let’s upload my most wanted video at 1 AM”

[@joshanderson9391]

Prime time here in Australia!

[@Wiktor33]

nice morning video here its 9am

[@heretech7025]

Kassandra > Alexios

[@flamixflame2685]

Yup Let's upload a video at 8am just to piss off my American viewers

[@jersood9059]

Actually, the best time to upload the video is about 8 AM at the morning. But where are most of watchers? At Europe or America? That is the question. And yes, he still had uploaded at wrong time. Too early.

[@willrichards9482]

"His wife took a vow to never remarry. When he died, she remarried."

[@UnchainedAmerica]

Then killed the unfit husband til she found one and twice...Zoe was a killer wife.

[@zarni000]

@koksal ceylan hahahaha. very well said!!

[@Cheveliery]

my favourite part of the video

[@julians7268]

Gotta love how history proves that we have not truly changed. Our technology and culture does, but deep down we are all just selfish shits.

[@creatifetudes8553]

@Aleksa Petrovic 😂

[@Danymok]

The problem with the Roman Empire, East and West, is that it takes just 1 bad Emperor to destroy the progress the good ones made, and there were many bad emperors glad to do so.

[@typicalperson6389]

This pattern is so present in Roman history

[@hisholiness4537]

Same with persian history

[@Figgy_Jub]

Yea, as if we need more reason to say absolute power is a bad idea.

[@moutsatsosa]

The problem with Roman empires was that the barbarians always pushed and never stopped pushing.Ever.Up to today. As a result of that it only took one major fckup from one person or institution for things to go south.

[@larrylegend6248]

The problem was the Catholics Not the Christians'. But yes the Catholics.

[@chriskw4362]

There is a tale were Kolokotronis the great general of the Greek revolution while he was fighting in the Napoleonic wars he was aked "we fight for our king. who do you fight for? You have no king" And he replied, "My king has turned to marble and he will return one day and for him, I fight." In my opinion, the Greco Romans never disappeared.

[@aokiaoki4238]

Its not a tale is history

[@LucasHenrique-it2io]

well, there are still Assyrian people in middle east and Incas people in South américa, so,maybe there are some greeks that consider themselves Romans too... (romanoi)

[@ilirsharra4422]

Hahaha kolokotroni was arvanite

[@aokiaoki4238]

@@ilirsharra4422 No he wasn't. Kastriotis was half Greek half Serbian.

[@chriskw4362]

@@ilirsharra4422 You either spoke to be a troll or you are a troll and spoke without opening a book. Either way, his father and grandfather were Orthodox Christians who spoke Greek as he was. They all fought for Greek independence so.

[@aronjanssonnordberg307]

don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened :)

[@jersood9059]

But what if Byzantine Empire could escape it’s no-return point once more? And what if they would develop their provinces more, increasing manpower and loyalty? Maybe at least they would not end their existance, controlling territories at least from Albania-Varna-Samsun-Antalya+Cyprus+Crete? Or maybe at least Greece would control Constantinople and western coast of Anatolia if Empire would divide like other empires did after WWI?

[@jersood9059]

Oh wait... I’ve just guessed when was the turning point. The betray by Hungarian king and some other ally of Byzantine Empire. If they would now what would happen in the future... They would come as fast as they even could to the assist.

[@simonpetrov4195]

As one of the Greatests Bulgarian Poets Hristo Botev describe Byzantines was Greek illness, that means fall of humanity, moral principles, and greedy, He say that the Bulgarians were infected by the same disease that led to the fall of the Byzantines and moral and Christian principles , instead to win more and more power, that was the start of fall of the culture, and fragmentation of the Balkans.

[@ReverendMeat51]

What a time it was, with all the world against us

[@zionistkid]

@@simonpetrov4195 gtfoh. Stop crying for these dying empires. You people make me laugh every time. The Byzantine Empire fell because the world got bigger. It was suddenly discovered that the world 🌎 was much bigger and richer than internal squabbles in the Balkans. Who gives a shit about religion.

[@i.p.956]

As a Bulgarian I am actually so happy we were mentioned in this documentary. No one ever considers us as an important part of history, so I'm so pleased somebody mentioned us and one of our most famous kings.

[@__semidulce]

As a Turk, I can confirm that you and the Serbians have an important part in our history :D nazdrave!

[@Noobprokermit]

Important part…

[@jakehammon8631]

@@__semidulce you couldn’t leave like 5 Roman’s😢🥺

[@ivanmarkoski682]

only uneducated north macedonian swine dont wanna admit and consider the great Bulgarian history which they betrayed in 1945. Others recognise what our ancestors contributed in history

[@emilcaven1050]

@@Noobprokermit Yes important. Maybe if you learned history you'd know

[@Memetic-Info-Hazard-Handler]

Holy damn. 15 minutes in, and the challenger to Basil II's claim to the throne dies from a seizure right before a duel. That's incredible!

[@BoqPrecision]

Obviously poisoned...which the Greeks were experts at concocting.

[@Baddhamster]

Statistically, its not that incredible, if you take into account every challenger to every duel in history who died of a seizure before it happened.

[@ByTheSpirit84]

@@Baddhamster do you have access to these statistics? I'm dying to know how many men died by seizure before a duel

[@shadysam7161]

@@ByTheSpirit84 I'm still waiting for these statistics.

[@ezzovonachalm7534]

Goodland.cruzing Bardas PHOKAS was a monstruous warrior who could kill a bull with one bare hand. His speciality was to kill his ennemies in a duel.As he found his rival, Emperor Basileios II at the head of his army, he rushed on him to kill him with a single blow....but as he recognized the icon of the Holy Mother of God Basileios wad holding with his left hand, Bardas fell from his horse and was found dead - siderated by a cardiac arrest .

[@aviator4]

Hearing Constantine XI's final speech brought tears to my eyes. Never thought I'd be crying over an event that took place over 500 years before my birth, but here I am.

[@a.k.2894]

💯

[@daneyraju8433]

Me too bro....what a man

[@stepanpytlik4021]

This video moved me to tears...rest in peace, great Roman Empire...

[@ralphg2771]

Who are we kidding, the romans were evil just as much as the rest of nations back then. Invading, killing, enslaving, and raping the innocents.

[@HellStr82]

@@ralphg2771 yeah because the british ware such nice people ...right?

[@greg_c23]

*Byzantine *Hellenic

[@stepanpytlik4021]

@@greg_c23 Byzantine isn't the real name of the Empire

[@greg_c23]

@@stepanpytlik4021 I know. It was called new Roman or hellenic. After the Heraclious the Empire transformed to Hellenic empire cuz Heraclious change all to greek and he was Greek. But before Heraclious it was a new Roman Empire

[@Danymok]

Not gonna lie, the final stand of Constantinople gave me chills

[@typicalperson6389]

Why do I see you everywhere lol?

[@Danymok]

@@typicalperson6389 well, I'm a sad man who uses KZbin a lot, and I like to comment.

[@typicalperson6389]

@@Danymok understandable, have a great day man.

[@Danymok]

@@typicalperson6389 lol you too

[@65stang98]

@@Danymok same

[@boycottamazonlotr7023]

I literally cried at the end of this video and I see I'm not the only one. It just makes me feel extremely sad and depressed seeing how little it remains from the Roman empire, like the forum in Rome or the ruins of Constantinople. Heartbreaking. But nontheless, THANK YOU for this extremely detailed, clear videos, with the very helpful maps. I'm binge watching all your videos these days. I'm thankful that we have youtube that allows such talented creators to share their work with us!!

[@Stalker950-l3x]

There is actually much much more, you just have to pay attention. Even the borders of the most european countries were defined by the roman empire 2000 years ago.

[@thomaswayneward]

Don't cry, all Western people are Romans.

[@thec4ke]

I love the use of maps in your presentation style, particularly when explaining periods where borders were very volatile. I wish more documentaries would do this, It's great for understanding events in context of what was going on elsewhere.

[@bobbygetsbanned6049]

I watch for the maps, without the maps it's just talk that I will soon forget.

[@LOKgr]

The answer of Konstantinos Palaiologos to Mehmet the second, wanting him to surrender the city... "Delivering the city to you is not a matter for me or for any other resident, as by joint decision we will all die voluntarily and not count our lives."

[@ericagos1601]

This answer, and the fact that the emperor and people of Constantinople chose to face insurmountable odds fighting an enemy who outnumbered them more than ten to one, shows their courage and integrity. It also disproves the despicable lie told by Turks that the Christians of Constantinople willingly sold the Hagia Sophia to Mehmet and the Turks. There was no sale, there was no purchase, there was no consent. There were fifteen thousand Christians slaughtered, raped and enslaved inside the Hagia Sophia by Ottoman soldiers who broke down the doors.

[@ABel-oi5kv]

Sorry ,That Konstantinos Palaiologos statement is Embellished , made up ...it's not Historically accurate... Even the channel owner says so in his comment.

[@turkishgirl7947]

@@ericagos1601 liar !!🇹🇷🇹🇷

[@ericagos1601]

@@turkishgirl7947 You and your nation are the liars

[@exter9384]

This is by far the best video you can find about the Byzantine Empire on KZbin! You have my subscribtion.

[@Fireoflearning]

Thank you!

[@patricianoftheplebs6015]

*eastern Roman Empire

[@bluedevil3765]

Another great documentary, Justin! The Byzantine empire has a very long and complex history and you made it very understandable. It was especially interesting to learn about the interaction of the Eastern Roman empire with e.g Charlemagne and the Vikings. Even in the middle ages the world was more closely connected than we think.

[@TheMugenVideos]

As a Turk myself I must say this document was fascinating to watch Thank you so much. I admire what the Byzantines had done they fought till the very end and till this day their legacy will always be remembered.

[@mookins45]

I once met a quite attractive young woman who said she'd hitch-hiked for 3 months all over Turkey and not for one moment in all that time did she feel threatened or made uncomfortable in any way. In America that'd be suicide. Maybe Byzantium was admirable; I know Turkey IS admirable.

[@Ouzconqueror]

@@mookins45 Atm 6 million syrian joined :D better be carefull hihi..

[@BALLARDTWIN]

@@Ouzconqueror the prison system broke when civil war kicked off So yes Many convicted criminals may be free right now which is an issue

[@nathanaelsallhageriksson1719]

The final fall of rome is honestly sad. Through watching this whole 4 part series, there were many times when I saw what was happening and I just wanted to nurse rome in to health again. All the way till it's demize. There are very few nations that lasted for a millenia. But rome lasted two.

[@zarni000]

what for? by then it was just a medieval state. no different from any of the others. the senate was virtually powerless. everything that was great about rome earlier had been dismantled.

[@nathanaelsallhageriksson1719]

@@zarni000 well, no. It wasn't just a normal medieval state. They were the roman empire. They had advancements many other European states lacked (in the early medieval period). And even later on, the spirit was still there. Rome the city state was nothing like rome the Christian empire, but we still call it rome. Rome always changed. But it's all still the same state. Symbolicly, it was a sad loss.

[@zarni000]

@@nathanaelsallhageriksson1719 they had....but from a prior era. The proper Roman empire..not the one after basil II which was just a standard medieval absolute monarchy

[@nathanaelsallhageriksson1719]

@@zarni000 I'm talking, greek fire. A mechanical bull (or lion) that rawrs. And also, they kept adapting to the situations they were in. Besides, as I said. The form of government isn't everything. You can't say that a country is or isn't that country based on it's form of government alone. It's like, the kingdom of rome, the republic of rome and the empire, both principete and dominus. They are all rome. Just like those examples are the Byzantines the continuation of the same state. Rome. And thus, when it fell in 1453, the 2103 years old country of rome, cesed to exist. It's sad that a country that has done so much for western civilization, and that was so unique during it's time of existance and that lasted for so long. Would end. The spirit was still there and the spirit was exstinguished then.

[@zarni000]

@@nathanaelsallhageriksson1719 I never said nor implied that government was everything. I was merely stating that after 7th century they did not invent anything really. Greek fire was invented way earlier. As for your "rawring" lion ( i think you meant "roaring") there were similar toys way earlier during the time of Alexander the Great. There are many of these types documented to have been on display at the library of Alexandria. Even "greek fire" was not unique to the Byzantines. The Arabs, the Chinese, and the Mongols had similar mixtures that were used to similar effect. The chinese themselves even had gunpowder propelled missiles that were used for naval warfare centuries in advance of europe. "Byzantium" turned into a despotic state which was supported by high taxes, taxing trade across bosphorus and slaves. The spirit of the Roman Empire (the Republic was long gone.

[@dillona2349]

Your channel is wonderful. I've come to appreciate long form content with minimal infographics and in-depth analysis more than I used to. Shorter, flashier stuff is of course fun, but videos like these cover so much content at a steady pace and ultimately provide a much deeper understanding. Thank you for your hard work.

[@eliassmyrneos1247]

Fire of learning as a Greek I deeply appreciate the way you narrated the whole history of the byzantine empire and your sincere approach, deeply respected and appreciated by me‼️ kudos👍🏻 With the flock the Greek Byzantine populous to the west besides knowledge of the ancient times they brought the Texus receptus aka The Bible to the people of the west, which was the most important of all...

[@jackiekelly4553]

Hello

[@eliassmyrneos1247]

Jackie Kelly Hello to you too Jackie!

[@jackiekelly4553]

@@eliassmyrneos1247 Pleasure to meet you , You sounds so great , How are you doing in this covid 19 pandemic..

[@eliassmyrneos1247]

Jackie Kelly Thank you Jackie for your kind words....Whatever affaires about COVID-19 I believe it’s a virus of the mind and not of the body!! All about seizing opportunities were they weren’t before.....Action/reaction/composition

[@jackiekelly4553]

@@eliassmyrneos1247 As you can see I don't really do much on here. This is my email address ([e-mail]) write me thru, hope to read your text, stay bless

[@heretech7025]

Great video. Always get super excited when I see a new upload from you. Your videos are such a joy to watch. I find them therapeutic.

[@Fireoflearning]

Thank you!

[@LondonPower]

Konstantinos Paliologos is Leonidas of the middle ages Greeks

[@johnnyplatis]

So Leonidas is not for middle aged Greeks? -:)

[@primalforlorn]

@@johnnyplatis nah, Leonidas was a old man during the battle, far from middle aged considering the life expectancy was way lower in ancient greece than in modern greece.

[@johnnyplatis]

@@primalforlorn I was making a joke my friend. Yes, Leonidas was close to 60, but the spirit of my comment to @London Power was different.

[@primalforlorn]

@@johnnyplatis ohhh, I didn't see that. Nice play of word here

[@gunarsmiezis9321]

@@primalforlorn Leonidas was about 60 but he was far helthyer than modern 60 year olds. The life expectancy was low because of all he dead infants and children but if you survived to adulthood you lived a long life especialy if you where a high born.

[@JakeShadowCitizen]

Watched all 4 Roman documentaries of this channel in one sitting. Worth it.

[@rabbideadpool5190]

Every time I think about the fall of Byzantium, I cry

[@sandrojones8068]

Call it Rome, Eastern Rome. Its what Constantine would have wanted.

[@sandrojones8068]

@Aquila Romana I hope so. i actually sobbed at the end of the video. haha. Are you Greek? I am Sicillian and i wish it still existed.

[@icecoldpolitics8890]

@@sandrojones8068 In retrospect the World would look a lot different then it does now without the fall of the Roman empire it's likely the world as we know it would be drastically different for better or for possibly much worse.

[@Constantine_IA]

Don’t cry my son I shall rise again one day and the Roman Empire will live again

[@keziahdelaney8174]

@@Constantine_IA Χαχαχαχα... Δεν υπάρχεις! Τα σέβη μου

[@Pan472]

Wow... This is literally all we learned at school in Greece. Only that in here they're presented a lot more interestingly. God bless you man!

[@Eazy-ERyder]

People speak English in Greece??

[@Pan472]

@@Eazy-ERyder Umm... Yes. The vast majority does. Why are you asking that?

[@Eazy-ERyder]

@Τσάδιος NO problems. Ain't nothing wrong with it.

[@josephmancinelli1493]

You almost moved me to tears in the final segments of the video. Thank you so much for this precious information you're sharing to all of us.

[@gregkosinski2303]

Glad to hear that while you were moved, that you didn’t succumb to the womanly act of crying.

[@josephmancinelli1493]

@@gregkosinski2303 What's the meaning and utility of this comment after two years? Complete nonsense.

[@deepsouth3319]

I had the privilege of traveling to Barbados and seeing the grave of Ferdinando Paleologus, he is buried at St. John's Church. He was descended from the line of the last emperors of Byzantium, it was really exciting for me and very sad at the same time. The greatest city on earth was Constantinople.

[@exter9384]

I just read an article about him. I think if there was a Series about the Byzantines his and his fathers story would make a great after story. Sadly there will never be a series about the Byzantine Empire.

[@deepsouth3319]

@@exter9384 I agree on both counts.

[@ralphg2771]

Maybe to a eurocentric...........

[@brentw741]

Still is the Greatest city on Earth. Now its called Istanbul

[@zarni000]

@@brentw741 lol not quite.

[@sifridbassoon]

The 1453 defeat is even more poignant when you consider how helpless and impoverished Constantinople was by then. Empty churches standing in open fields, columns and statuary in deserted forums, the magnificent palace of Constantine fallen to ruins. I've heard the city described as "three subsistence level villages each protected by a stockade and then enclosed by miles of decaying and dilapidated stone walls, so it's even more tragic to think about the defenders sacrificing their lives for what was by then only a remembered idea. I've often thought the fall in 1453 would make a wonderful movie (it would be worth it for the ship dragging scene alone). But in the current social climate in Hollywood, it would be too controversial. Too positive a view on the West; too negative a view on Muslims (that's just an observation, not an accusation). It's too bad a movie was not made back in the "sand and sandal" era when Hollywood was cranking out Hercules movies. A movie about Justinian would have been wonderful. Can you imagine Sophia Loren playing Theodora?! Priceless. Just a small comment. You might add some small details about the effects of different heresies (I'm thinking especially of the Monotheists) on the empire's cohesion, even though it's not really inside your time frame. Many areas felt they were being too heavily taxed and were being harassed and persecuted because of their version of orthodoxy, so much so that when the Arabs arrived, these areas felt that it would be better to live under the Arabs, who would at least tolerate their religion. This viewpoint made it easy for the Arabs to conquer large area of the empire.

[@71Tasso]

@I'm not flat, stop asking the difference between the two cultures were that the Ottomans were just stealing and cheating, and they never respected other cultures or religions, to this day Turks haven't founded a single village in Asia minor let alone a city

[@jamesjones4396]

Great post, however don't you mean Monophysite not Monotheist

[@hakan9502]

@@71Tasso Lie. If they haven't respected other cultures and religions, you wouldn't exist today. Balkans, despite the hundreds of years of Ottoman rule, are still mostly Christian and retained their identity. Ottomans had no policy of forced assimilation.

[@71Tasso]

@@hakan9502 If the Romans would treat the starving Seljuks that showed up 9th-century ad. in Asian Minor the same way Turks later treated other giaours (dissenters) you wouldn't probably exist today. How many Albanians, Bosnians, Greeks, Bulgars Serbians got assimilated? Regarding your statement that Turks had no policy of forced assimilation lol, it always depended on the sultan and what his benefits were. For instance Sultan Mehmet the "conqueror" had to place an orthodox bishop in his new capital because he needed to have the Christians churches divided so there would be no new crusade. Smart move wasn't it? Anyway, it was easy to become a Muslim back the day if you wanted to be socially accepted or be something in your life, (like the Green card or US citizen ship today) in the same fashion you could get decapitated if not. Very easy.

[@hakan9502]

@@71Tasso The same way Turks later treated other gavurs? I just told you that "gavurs" still retain their identity and religion, what makes you think that if Turks faced the same treatment they wouldn't exist today? According to laws of Islam, being a Muslim was indeed more beneficial, that's why a portion of Balkans converted into Islam, so they could benefit economically. But Ottomans didn't cared if you converted or not, the state policy was not based on religious fanaticism.

[@kingbachelor7590]

Hey fire of learning! I rewatched all of your Rome videos numerous amount of times and I love them so much. When I’m at work I play your videos on enjoying your comforting voice. Thank you for all your work please never stop ❤️

[@Fireoflearning]

Thank you!

[@jasoncutshaw8401]

One day tho he has to become what he teaches.. HISTORY!! As we all do.. but his knowledge hopefully will live on..

[@CaptainHarlock-kv4zt]

Your Greek accent is, surprisingly, good enough ! Kudos for the effort !!!

[@ArtNPG7]

@Jd Pv I dont like your icon

@Jd Pv Brain damage intensities.

[@rickyyacine4818]

Constantinople will be restore Byzantium territory

[@islammehmeov2334]

@@rickyyacine4818 🤣🤣🤣🖕🖕1974:)

[@rickyyacine4818]

@@islammehmeov2334 enjoy dat lira poverty

[@theshadowspartan4047]

Still waiting for part 5: *The 21st Century Comeback of Rome*

[@Memetic-Info-Hazard-Handler]

Are we waiting for Salvini to declare Independence from the EU? That would be something. He better do so before the EU manages to form their continental army. Or maybe Hungary will lead the way under Orban.

[@theshadowspartan4047]

We can only hope

[@mustthopasultanovachalih2843]

TheShadowSpartan no you're fail

[@theshadowspartan4047]

@@mustthopasultanovachalih2843 okay

[@RoboticFemboy]

There was a comeback for Rome. It was called the Ottoman Empire

[@Garchist]

"His wife took a vow never to remarry, when he died, she remarried." Women.

[@lucastop5660]

Typic Greek!.

[@keyos1955]

@@lucastop5660 She wasn't Greek at all

[@addamz3277]

@@lucastop5660 typical WOMAN u mean

[@ata-ayitehunlede5632]

Wonderful, amazing, breath taking summing up of the time immemorial History of the Roman Empire. Well done and Congrats 🙏👍👌💪

[@user-sc5iv2rp2t]

"We are descendants of both the Greeks and the Romans" Constantine XI Palaiologos in his last speech before his death.

[@reefmohammed3553]

He did not said like that, he only say "we fight like a brothers as the roman" , not greek he never use the word greek entire life because he is not the greek

[@user-sc5iv2rp2t]

@@reefmohammed3553 Find the last speech and read it.

[@LordGabriel427]

Man I admire how friendly your voice is to the ears and really not having a hard time understanding let alone the accent is also altogether very linear. The same thing goes for your previous videos I have watched, all keen eye on development and detail which is more than I could say for any other documentaries out there, no matter how long thev video could take. I hope you continue!

[@martinholt4939]

I just found your channel, and being the history buff that I am I absolutely love it!!

[@kevinalvarado1000]

Great video as always. That final speech really moved me. Keep up the good work, dude.

[@jackiekelly4553]

So great indeed..Stay blessed ..

[@sandrojones8068]

You know i hate this, that music at the end actually made me sob at the fall of Rome.

[@EvilForgemaster]

came here to say the same

[@KangaJack55]

Ales Jones me too

[@unclesam5230]

Me too

[@constatinexipalaeologus507]

I've done extensive research on the fall of Constantinople 1453 and I have a published essay titled "The Last Empire" under the synonym Anestos Canelides. I've also finished a fictional account written as an epic, and yes it was an Islamic Holy War. I've researched both primary and secondary sources but publishing fiction is much harder than non-fiction. I lived in Istanbul/Constantinople in 2006, and I not only stood on the Theodosian walls but I visited the Hagia Sophia 8 times, usually 3 to 4 hours each visit. I'm half Greek and my late Papou was born in Constantinople 1885, he married late in age.

[@miastupid7911]

Αιώνια του η μνημη του καλου Παππου σου. May your good Papou's memory be eternal.

[@larryswindcatcher]

Subscribed. I watched the entire series of the bloody history of the Roman Empire. The sharpening of the blade was very appropriate. Great job in your production. You have brought modern education up to a new level. Congradulations on your achivement.

[@fredahoward2352]

I am watching your roman documentaries and am loving them. This is the first time that i have ever subscribed to anyone. Keep up the great videos.

[@Fireoflearning]

Thank you! Glad you enjoy.

[@Cajun777]

You don't know how long I've been waiting for this. Fantastic job

[@TB64967]

Love it man I appreciate all the time and hard work you put in these it shows!

[@Chrissepisje]

Splendid work, this. It deserves to be told, and it boggles the mind how simplistic, brief and unjust the treatment of both the Byzantine and Muslim empires is in Western European and Anglo-Saxon history lessons is. Thank you for putting this out there.

[@nonnobissolum]

It never ceases to amaze me why/how "fantasy" stuff like Game of Thrones, comic book movies (eg Marvel franchise) are so ubiquitous and seemingly popular when **real history** is so mindblowingly incredible and fascinating in its own right. No need to make up stuff---real life heroes, villains, clashes, triumph, romance, redemption, destruction etc right over here, folks. And they're real people who led real lives doing real things in real places...history that we can contemplate from so many angles, rather than phony made up garbage. End rant. I'll stop being the old man yelling at clouds now. Cheers. Brilliant stuff, thanks for producing and posting.

[@user-hb9mz2hp2g]

If you are watching history you know the end of story. For me was exciting to see serie about mongols in china - 'marco polo' cause i don't know the end. Europe history i know. The most boring is history of England - so many films....

[@inotmark]

Good work! The history of Rome should give us all pause. You covered a lot of material with clarity and interest.

[@explorer1968]

While preserving the priceless works of ancient Greeks and Romans, while converting Eastern Europe to Christianity or while saving young Europe from Muslim conquest, the Eastern Roman Empire gave the Western world Roman law, highly advanced technology, stunning works of art, the Christian faith, the brilliant literature of Classical and Hellenistic Greece. Now it is time to be grateful and never forget the enormous debt we all have to the Eastern Romans!!

[@ReverendMeat51]

You do a phenomenal job with these documentaries.

[@timschultz7597]

I have thoroughly enjoyed your series on the Roman Empire. The level of detail is fantastic. Do you think you might do a documentary on the remaining Byzantine rump states and/or the Greek Independence movement and subsequent war? I had read that while the seeds of Independence were being sewn that there were plans to reconstitute the Roman Empire. Anyway thank you again for such a great series. Your channel is great!

[@cardinalhistory6973]

One of the most underappreciated channels is this one.

[@astrladam4392]

What a beautiful ending monologue! Great video great channel. I haven’t been this excited about history in years! Thanks bruv!

[@jackiekelly4553]

What a beautiful ending monologue!!!Great video great channel.

[@_lumiaart_2010]

The fate of the last Roman Emperor was at least the fate of a true son of Mars. He died with honor. Bless be his soul

[@lordt-dawgsen1413]

Issac Arellano but the Statement is wrong :)

[@jeremyxiv4667]

koksal ceylan source??

[@daithimcbuan5235]

I dig the sound effects, they add a layer of immersion!

[@jackiekelly4553]

Yes,It's cool to learn how Vargas Phobias died

[@keziahdelaney8174]

I am Greek, a Nationalist one and one of the few left escaping our postmodernist "teachers" so i have knowledge of our History. Congatulations on the video! You catched even small datails known to us Greeks. Much respect Sir!

[@RRFR-d4v]

Justin, you are such a good narrator, and you bring such a positive attitude to history.

[@AlexisPerez-yy7dk]

R.I.P. oh glorious Rome 753 B.C - 1453 A.D. Those darn ottomans barely lasted half a millennium them selves

[@TheHunterOfYharnam]

byzantium was greek

[@AlexisPerez-yy7dk]

@@TheHunterOfYharnam yes Byzantium was greek, good observation. However, constantinople's citizens called them selves Roman's. Their empire was referred to as roman. They were a direct continuation of the roman empire. Roman culture though changed was still in them.

[@TheHunterOfYharnam]

@@AlexisPerez-yy7dk yes rome itself had greek origins as well even tho it was latin too im just stating that the eastern half is greece's heritage because a lot of people try to say that it isn't

[@lorenzodavidsartormaurino413]

Darn ottomans? The real problem were the venicians.

[@AlexisPerez-yy7dk]

@@lorenzodavidsartormaurino413 sorry, yes you're right about that.

[@halneufmille]

The Byzantines playing Civilization on Deity level with angry neighbors constantly declaring war, "allies" turning on you and cities rebelling. The challenge: last as long as possible.

[@VergilDarkslayer]

Welllll 1.100 years soloo mission complete

[@KyleF841]

If you think that is hard play eu4 Byzantium 1444

[@Tsagia]

I have to say,I came here thinking this was gonna be another western-made fail video,but I am extremely impressed by how well you describe the events and narrate the whole story.One thing you should notice,in greek the "oi" forms an "i" sound like "kiss" or "fleet" or "weak".For example you kept saying "Komninoi",while it should sound like "Komnini".It's ok,you just read the greeklish version of the name,just telling you so you know.If you have any more questions about name pronounciations I can help you.

[@Fireoflearning]

Thank you, I'll take note of that

[@Tsagia]

@@Fireoflearning Any questions about pronounciation or if you want art depictions of Constantinople(I have a lot),just tell me and I can share it with you.

[@blackspc75]

Thank you for these amazing videos. You gave me a very long history class of 2000 years in only couple of hours. As a middle eastern, the Roman Empire has vanished from the political map only but it is still alive inside our culture, civilizations and even in our genes. The Rise and fall of empires are natural and inevitable steps of the history cycles and what saddened me most was, the countless souls of soldiers, men, women and children wasted throughout this history-long wars & fights for power and conquest. Just thinking about how many widows and orphans, how much of sorrows and hardships and how many sad stories which would never be told.... Was it really worth it?

[@elielhdz2503]

thanks for all the erudition, effort, and willingness to share

[@thechatteringmagpie]

The choice of illustrations and maps is excellent.

[@aokiaoki4238]

«Σώπασε κυρὰ Δέσποινα, καὶ μὴ πολυδακρύζῃς, πάλι μὲ χρόνους, μὲ καιρούς, πάλι δικά μας θά ῾ναι».

[@user-sz9dj1pl9o]

Πάλι δικά μας θά ‘ναι 😔

[@kanyekubrick5391]

Aoki Aoki somebody translate! Please

[@kazakhHCS2]

@@kanyekubrick5391 Τhis is a very rough translation, it's really hard translating folk songs: "Calm down miss Despina, and don't cry too much, Sometime in the future, it will be ours again." This is from a medieval Greek folk song about the fall of Constantinople, "it will be ours again" is mainly referring to Constantinople.

[@kanyekubrick5391]

KAZAKHH- sad :(

[@berent_oral]

It also made me emotional although I'm a Turk. Swords collided, bloods shed, we have lost our ancestors from both sides. We were full of rage but at the end, we are human, we have emotions and we both get sad. I will remind you a letter from Mustafa Kemal Ataturk for the ANZAC soldiers that fought in Gallipoli campaign in 1915. ''Those heroes that shed their blood and lost their lives...You are now lying in the soil of a friendly country. Therefore rest in peace. There is no difference between the Johnnies and the Mehmets to us where they lie side by side here in this country of ours...You, the mothers who sent their sons from faraway countries, wipe away your tears; your sons are now lying in our bosom and are in peace. After having lost their lives on this land they have become our sons as well.'' -Mustafa Kemal Ataturk This letter also applies for the Greeks. Your pain is our pain and our pain is your pain. Your sons are our sons and our sons are your sons. You know, some friendships start after a big fight. After many years, let's leave the past behind us and start the new day with a strong friendship. Also you are very welcome to visit Istanbul anytime. It's still an adorable city. Much love and respect from Turkey, take care of yourself my friend!

[@historyrhymes1701]

This should be played in the cinemas

[@gunarsmiezis9321]

But than europians could see there grate history and allso see how they can be destryed like any nation.

[@Pan472]

Well... As A Greek myself I can tell you this: the fall of Constantinople has such an impact to this day, that many Greeks, if not most, believe that Constantinos XI Palaiologos isn't dead, but just frozen in the form of a marble statue. Hence why we call him "The Marble King", and we believe that he will come back to life to assist in the retaking of the City. Retaking Constantinople remains a dream for most Greeks. Which was almost realised in the Greco-Turkish War of 1923, but it was snatched away. For many, regardless of how nationalistic it may sound, Greece without Constantinople is a body without a head. Because even if it was the continuation of Rome, Greeks inhabited and were its life for thousands of years.

[@bayramaktas4135]

Fallen empires can no longer be revived,the times of conquests are over,see Ukraine!

[@jhorne18]

What an excellent thumbnail sketch of a very often neglected but critical historical period for understanding why modern countries have the views they do - Hungary, Bulgaria, Serbia, etc. There is enough material for a whole graduate programme in Eastern European studies. Yes, I subscribed, hoping to fill in some of my knowledge of history gaps.

[@bobbymoss6160]

This channel's content is more interesting than any college history courses I've taken, and it's free.

[@JHMichaels]

Ok, wow. What an absolute gem of an upload. I was enthralled throughout, and by the end I was almost brought to tears (ridiculous, I know). The last stand against the Turks is reminiscent of the Spartans' stand at Thermopylae, and the consequences were no less significant. You really brought it home. What a beautiful, confronting and ultimately tragic story. My parents are from Greece, and I cannot begin to emphasise how important and central Eastern Rome is to the modern Greek consciousness. It is where they derive their culture, language, spirit, religion and themselves as people from. Yes, Classical Greece and the Hellenistic Age are significant and loved, but they simply do not occupy the same place in modern Greece's heart that the Eastern Roman Empire, and of course Constantinople (the eternal Capital), does. Modern Greek culture is completely saturated with stories and longing for the Eastern Roman Empire, and Constantinople's loss is still felt tragically and lamented to this day. It is still a traumatic event. Eastern Orthodoxy without Konstantinoupoli, is Roman Catholicism without Rome-- a people and culture severed from their source.

[@metetural9140]

And so Emperor Fredrick Barbarossa called the Byzantine empire a "kingdom of greeks". He was the Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire, what is not very holy and not Roman. Fredrick Barbarossa then died by drowning in a river in Anatolia.

[@SuperGreatSphinx]

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frederick_I,_Holy_Roman_Emperor

[@DarkHallwayz]

Mete Tural Everyone knows the Byzantines were the true successors to Rome

[@FattyGruesome]

Love your videos, appreciate you.

[@jackiekelly4553]

learning how Vargas Phobias died gave me the chills..That's cool.

[@joshuaanderson9938]

Wow dude... tears at the end. Well done good sir

[@Klammerbestie]

Excellent video, you truly did the byzantine empire justice. Amazing work!

[@narakagati5872]

You didn't mention the time that Constantinople was sacked the savage hordes of Lande Crabs.

[@Făt-Frumos1982]

Crab people?

[@narakagati5872]

@@Fireoflearning All stand for the Anthem of Crablande

[@jersood9059]

@Fire Of Learning ’ve just guessed when was the turning point. The betray by Hungarian king and some other ally of Byzantine Empire. If they would now what would happen in the future... They would come as fast as they even could to the assist. Also, a little quiz for 6 years old children. What did First trains use to make their pistons moving?

[@jersood9059]

Oh sorry...

[@AlphaCrucis]

@@Fireoflearning I saw it coming and yet I still clicked.

[@justourgameplay3690]

Damn the last romans are under appreciated, wish that I could fight besides them and fight for Constantinople.

[@Klassyhk]

This video was very informative and engaging. I cried at the end - so sad to see the final fall of Byzantium. I'd like to donate to Patreon but they don't offer a one-time donation option.

[@mikestafford6900]

powerful video, dude. I love your channel. Keep up the great work!

[@FOtus-yw1rr]

Great presentation with excellent illustrations I did not know existed. From what I gather, the messed up history was a conquest for territorial, economic, greed, etc., reasons like most if not all throughout history everywhere (starting with days even before organized religions)..

[@dimostychalas9716]

From Constantine it started, to Constantine it ended

[@MK-br3gl]

Started from Romulus and Remus

[@dimostychalas9716]

@@MK-br3gl I mean Constantinople

[@MetuendusDominus]

I was almost driven to tears, that is hard to do. Good video.

[@CliveBurr4]

Byzantine empire was the epitomy of Greco-Roman empire.

[@user-sz9dj1pl9o]

🇬🇷🇬🇷🇬🇷🇬🇷🇬🇷🇬🇷☦️☦️☦️☦️☦️☦️

[@isa8741]

illyro - romake

[@lucianf6440]

Romans never call it Byzantine empire, thats was ever a Roman empire makes from Rome, where the lingua franca in east was greek thats all.

[@Enderzalt]

@Jd Pv good lord that spelling

[@ΘΕΟΦΑΝΩΚΟΜΝΗΝΟΣ]

@@lucianf6440 Leguna and culture and civilization lad the title roman was a political one.

[@baileyayyy5085]

that historian said 'its not a shock that the empire ended, its a shock that it lasted so long' really hit the nail on the head tbh

[@adamlawrence8125]

Great video, so very interesting, will be donating and continuing to watch in future. Keep up the good work.

[@saifyousif53]

I am a muslim and I say: long live the memory of great Byzantinum

[@nickolasgaspar9660]

don't worry, Byzantine history will torture many history students for many years to come...lol

[@a7md707]

How piss of you? Really? Back stabbing Andalusia is great memories you twat?

[@comradekenobi6908]

@@a7md707 nah he's just showing respect

[@bugyesz7517]

As a Hungarian today, it’s difficult to imagine there was a time when Hungary and the Byzantine Empire shared a border...

[@mustthopasultanovachalih2843]

Why bizanteium so weak thdey are prrotect bby zeus , hercules , poseidon , perseus , kratos

[@SuperGreatSphinx]

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hungary

[@manager1166]

Hunyadi was weakened by Brankovic, a Christian who sold his soul to the enemy.

[@brethartaquino3976]

It was even under as a triubatary state at some point I forgot whose Emperor's mother is Hungarian.

[@PhilosoFeed]

Love your videos man. Great stuff.

[@emilianohermosilla3996]

Thank you so much for this video, I almost started crying by it's end, I only restrained myself by the fact that I was in public, but man, what a masterwork you've made. Constantine the 11th is truly representative of the Roman spirit, Rome and it's emperor didn't go out with a whimper, his words are one's that'd set a lion to tears. God bless

[@maesmydog6691]

Hard for me to opress some tears in the end! Thanks my history-mate for this video!

[@oussillah5373]

You are welcome Maes Mydog

[@MantisCFS]

Excellent as usual. I'd be interested in you doing one on the Ottomans themselves. Mehmet declared himself Caesar on entering Constantinople and made it his life mission to rebuild the city to its former glory. The Byzantine refugees helped stoke the Renaissance in Europe and in turn Mehmet brought in Renaissance painters and philosophers, his son Bayezid evacuated and settled the Jews and Muslims from Spain in 1492 who stoked more cultural development. They were a very unique culture, a mix of pragmatic nomad conquerors like the Mongols and Timurids, Islamic zeal and more than a smattering of the Greco-Roman world they came before them. Their role in 1453 and religion and race often get them reduced to the "barbarians at the gates" which I think overshadows a lot of fascinating history; Jewish Salonika, the Tulip Period, the explosion of Calvinism in Ottoman Hungary, their wars with the Portuguese over Indian Ocean trade, Piri Reis, etc. And if they didn't pick anything else up from the Romans, they perfected the murderous Praetorians in their Janissaries!

[@turkishgirl7947]

👍🇹🇷

[@simonpetrov4195]

I am so happy to see I am not the only one who love history of world so mutch :D , Man if I had some money I should ask you to make one video for Bulgaria, but it's very very hard job, I will be so happy to see that, maybe one day... Fantastic job, Great videos o7

[@jackiekelly4553]

So great and wonderful ,Stay blessed

[@fgldnglbs]

"Perhaps in seeing ourselves in these people..we can avoid their fate." I certainly hope so, seeing as we may be about to scare ourselves to death before we find another solution to this crisis.

[@claydogg234]

Fantastic and professional documentary. Well done to everyone who worked on it.

[@jackbarfoot168]

Thank you fire of learning. Really injoy your videos.

[@th3omachos]

55:53 "How could a crusade against catholics be sanctioned by the Pope?" Innocent III: *observe*

[@th3omachos]

@Marxine St.Arline oh no, poltards everywhere.

[@ericagos1601]

what are you talking about? Innocent III was furious when he found out the fourth crusade had sacked Catholic Zara AND Orthodox Constantinople. He had sanctioned the Crusade on the understanding that it was headed to Jerusalem and Egypt. He excommunicated the entire Crusading force after hearing about Zara, and they remained under this during the events at Constantinople.

[@afanasievnikitin]

Greeks were the greatest nation of the world I think. Acient Grece, Alexander, post-Alexander's countries, part of Roman Empire with half-wild romans and greek Eastern Roman Empire.

[@Replicaate]

I finally watched this whole 4-part saga and all I can say off the bat that no big budget Hollywood epic and no documentary, can really capture the true scope of the two-thousand year adventure of the Romans - but this one comes pretty close. So fantastic job, sir. Also I'm not Greek, or Turkish, or Orthodox or Muslim, or really anything but I dare anyone regardless of heritage NOT to shed a tear at the account of Constantinople's last stand and fall. Mehmed himself was even supposedly moved by the scene, even as he ordered the sack and plunder of what was basically the desiccated corpse of the Roman empire. Sic transit gloria and all that.

[@rurushu8094]

Wonderful video! I teared up at the end

[@nicholasjones7774]

alright ive seen all your videos at this point, ill support on patreon