History of Byzantium - Belisarius: The Italian Campaign

SYNOPSIS:
In this continuing story, we follow Emperor Justinian's dream of reuniting the Roman Empire. In this part of the Renovatio Imperii, the famed general Belisarius is sent to Italy. However, the prospect of a quick victory turns into a grinding campaign in the Italian peninsula. The History of Byzantium Podcast by Robin Pierson is one of the best history podcasts out there - don't forget to download his other work!
Check out the History of Byzantium Podcast
and hear Robin's amazing work:
thehistoryofbyzantium.com
He also has tours of Istanbul - contact him at:
the [e-mail]
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SPECIAL THANKS:
Appreciate the work of Ryan Teo
Check out his work at:
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If you love amazing art check out Eric Chauvin's work
He was kind enough to allow me to use his paintings:
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Thanks to Farya Faraji for contributing his music.
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A huge shout out to Know History as well
Beautiful landscape renders
Check out his channel:
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Massive thank you to the Art Work of Nikolaos Thessalos
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=================================
#history #byzantium #belisarius

[@FlashPointHx]

The narrative of Justinian's Renovatio Imperii continues with the Italian campaign ! Hope you lovely people enjoy it and make sure to share on social media - its a great way for a podcast to grow!

[@wonemohsirehtafmai2982]

I am looking forward to showing my girls this tour de force in Christian history and the FOUNDATIONS of our civilized societies globally. Most importantly this series will be a fantastical journey for our children's home school scripture study that can be very dry in Old Testament genealogy and such mundane subjects.

[@socialdichotomy]

One of my favorite podcasts now with the visuals. Pure goodness.

[@MrDeicide1]

How did u know I'm lovely?

[@brettlorenzpatricio5419]

@@wonemohsirehtafmai2982 0000

[@brettlorenzpatricio5419]

0

[@kriskris2625]

Wow man thanks for this amazing video. This is by far the best documentary about the Eastern Roman Empire I’m ever seen. All this details and the calm way you talking is like a listen a very tale

[@FlashPointHx]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@haditawbe9617]

Extremely underrated, it was a pleasure watching this series so far. Can't wait to binge watch the rest of the episodes. Keep up the great work!

[@davidcraig9540]

I say this every time, but I’m always glad to see a new upload on this channel. Greatly enjoying the Byzantine deep dive!

[@FlashPointHx]

More to come! But happy that you liked it !

[@mqcapps]

Yep..like to see some of the earlier ones to

[@fernandotibayan6658]

p

[@josephfleming871]

Channels like this are the reason for the Internet (IMO) Great refresher on history and supreme narration ✌️

[@TheTariqibnziyad]

Man it's being a long long time since we talked, i was here with you in the original Islamic Spain videos, now i see that your channel has grown from couple 100 subs to 150K ! This is amazing news, and i am sure you're gonna grow even more ! The quality and content and improving on a steady pace. Wish you the best

[@FlashPointHx]

I actually remember that - we were talking about how they named Gibraltar after you! That has been a long time. Thank you for following along since then!

[@darth_elsa6681]

​@@FlashPointHx9[:[,

[@highevan]

Agathias Scholasticos (530-582 AD) one of the principal historians of Justinian's reign between 552 and 558, at some point in his work compares the bravery of Belisarius and his soldiers with that of Leonidas and the 300. The historian borrows a piece from the history of the Laconians, as he refers to them, in order to praise the general and his deeds.

[@yavyav2281]

I believe that byzantine civilisation is my favourite one. The Belisarius campaign are absolutely wonderful to watch ! I would have like to see the pale face of the Saracens in action (Nikephoros II) and his successor John Tzimiskes. There is a lot of action in the 10th century ! Though I believe there are much less sources for this period…

[@coburn446]

Amazing video, as always! I've finally ordered my first book from our dear friend Procopius. Never would've done that without this particular series.

[@FlashPointHx]

Nice - its always good to hear when someone is taking a deeper dive into history based on my content

[@RH-sy2bx]

@@FlashPointHx😊😊

[@thesupernerd9604]

I've been waiting for this so excited

[@FlashPointHx]

Yes sir! 😁

[@ferrjuan]

Watching this video as I play the song Gloria by Judicator in the background! That song is part of a whole metal album about the Roman General Flavis Belisarius! Love how my Boi Belisarius finally getting some attention recently great video as always!

[@FlashPointHx]

wow - powerful combo - nice!

[@scottyprice1787]

I love and respect all your hard work on this era and especially on Belasarius.He is so underrated he was a great general keep it up

[@FlashPointHx]

Thank you very much!

[@tuki8468]

I've noticed that the Romans didn't call the Hunnic horse archers "Huns". They called them Massagetae. I would suggest to anyone interested in this series to purchase "The history of the Vandalic wars", and Gothic wars by Procopius. Love the video keep them coming.

[@FlashPointHx]

They also called them terrifying =)

[@danieleriksson5587]

I just wanted to thank you about a great recomendation! Would recomend to anyone interested in the history of Rome!!

[@historicfootprints]

Love this!! thanks for sharing I always love learning something new about this topic :)

[@KHK001]

Amazing as always! cant wait for the next one

[@FlashPointHx]

Thanks KHK - aways appreciated

[@BedeLaplume]

​ Great synthesis, montage, narration and research work! ​

[@FlashPointHx]

Thank you so much !

[@romainvicta7392]

Another amazing video flash point! Been sharing your videos w my friends. You deserve way more subs, I’ll be here through the come up keep up the good work!

[@FlashPointHx]

Hey thanks Roma!

[@kaznika6584]

YESSS, I look forward to all these videos.

[@FlashPointHx]

Enjoy Kaz!

[@kaznika6584]

@@FlashPointHx I gotta say the artwork for the Persian parts of the video was really well done.

[@FlashPointHx]

@@kaznika6584 Yeah found that artist and had to get his work on my show

[@kmorton54]

Excellent, excellent videos. Can't wait for the next episode

[@wilsontheconqueror8101]

Well done! Belisarius is one Late Romes great generals. Who did more with less than any other General I can think of!

[@FlashPointHx]

Heraclius was pretty impressive too =)

[@NinjelicWood]

The way this was delivered hit different

[@FlashPointHx]

What do you mean?

[@danieleriksson5587]

Absolutely amazing content once again!

[@FlashPointHx]

Thanks again!

[@yavyav2281]

The interpretation from Justinians point of view is very helpful, and it undermine a bit the perfect general that Belisarius is thought to be. As you said, a big communication problem is all what is needed. But what do we know of the relationship between the emperor and his general when he returned ? Surely they explained themselves, especially Belisarius. I imagine that when you are the head of the most powerful empire and you have enemies everywhere, you must be a bit paranoid.

[@FlashPointHx]

I think as Belisarius' reputation grew, so did Justinian's paranoia and envy - but I think this is to be expected when you're emperor and you have everyone gunning to take you out

[@yavyav2281]

@@FlashPointHx yep, but still, such a waste. Its a bit poetic when two men trust each other blindly. I guess this would be seen as naivety if you are emperor…

[@neekori91]

Love this series!

[@FlashPointHx]

Thanks!!

[@mattclements1348]

Excellent, thank you for this

[@FlashPointHx]

Of course Matt!

[@alexandrekaminski3527]

Ahaha I just discovered this channel now, and therefore I have plenty to watch 😊😊😂 LUCKY ME 😊

[@mohammedsaysrashid3587]

Most Brilliant Introducing of Informative History Video Thanks

[@FlashPointHx]

Hey thanks so much Mohammed!

[@Mezzogiorno84]

Very Well Done 👍🏼

[@FlashPointHx]

Thank you! 👍

[@SavvaSou]

Your stuff is fantastic

[@YasserMaghribi]

Amazing !

[@FlashPointHx]

Thanks!

[@MichaelMoore-no9ly]

A very fine presentation. I think you're a little hard on Belisarius. In the ages before instant communication, orders from a distant superior were often based on outdated or bad information. I think his ultimate loyalty to Justinian is admirable. It was always a challenge for a monarch to keep distant successful generals subordinate. The Spanish king routinely recalled conquistadores, often to put them on trial for cruelty. For the whole of Spanish rule, the viceroys only had limited terms--I think it was 3 years--and in this way, no viceroy had much opportunity to put together rebellion, even if his loyalty should falter.

[@FlashPointHx]

Reminds me of that Tolkien line: ‘ and nine were gifted to the race of men who above all else desire power ‘ - doesn’t take much for a subordinate with a certain temperament to declare themselves emperor

[@rkurtz4]

Great video!

[@FlashPointHx]

Thanks!

[@StLouis-yg8jp]

I was not super into Byzantine history but now I'm hooked! I'm getting my post Roman fix. Thank you for uploading!

[@FlashPointHx]

Hey you are so welcome! Love seeing that avatar as well

[@zaferzaferoglu978]

Louis Bu Bizans tarihi değil Roma Tarihi Almanlar Batı ve Doğu Roma Tarihini Ayırmak için Bizans Dediler

[@SeArCh4DrEaMz]

where is mr usual voice ? its not the voice where is the voice ? i feel cheated 😢 but i still liked the video, like every single one u upload! (just missing the usual voice..

[@FlashPointHx]

I’m so happy that you appreciate my voice - this is currently a collaboration with Robin Pierson who has an amazing audio podcast - one of the best in the world. He’s agreed to provide me his audio and I created the video. Rest assured I’ll still have my own audio as well :)

[@ScipioAfricanus_Chris]

I often ponder the possibilities of what could have been if Belisarius had been fortunate to have the troop numbers that his (Western) predecessors had at their disposal.

[@FlashPointHx]

Outstanding question - whenever I see someone of Belisarius' skill and they are in the underdog spot, I always ask something like this. What if Hannibal was backed up by Carthage after his win at Cannae?, or Rommel was given reinforcements and resupplied after his stunning victory at Tobruk?, What if Lee had gotten the recon he needed from Jeb Stuart at Gettysburg? etc.

[@ScipioAfricanus_Chris]

@@FlashPointHx absolutely! I've pondered those questions as well, especially the Roemmel scenario. Had he received even half of the material support the British received, I imagine the Africa campaign would have been a much more prolonged slugfest, which may have ended up in the German's favor. That would have likely resulted in costly U.S. campaign in North Africa. Speaking of which, I'm still praying you eventually get to the Deutch Africa Corps.

[@thefisherking78]

He'd have probably been railroaded and denied the fruits of his labor by inferior humans jealous of his best qualities even sooner than he was 🙄

[@thefisherking78]

@@FlashPointHx great what-ifs.. I think that ultimately the most that might have happened was that those campaigns would have gone longer, with even more human and material cost, their turning points delayed by tactical success from an ultimately doomed side. I think each of those wars involved a degree of inevitability based on demographics, geography, industrial bases, and other cultural factors. Still interesting to imagine.

[@xKinjax]

Thank you for another great video. While I like your narration style more the overall quality was still top notch as usual.

[@FlashPointHx]

Thanks! I'll have one of my own videos with my narration coming out soon

[@onetwothreefourfive12345]

Epic one 👍

[@FlashPointHx]

Thanks!

[@Dr77Funkenstein]

Belisarius was phenomenal , what a genius general

[@thespartan8476]

Byzantium was colonized by the Greeks from Megara in 657 BC, and remained primarily Greek-speaking until its conquest by the Ottoman Empire in AD 1453. Also look up the ancient Anatolian Kingdom of Pontus, Greeks from the Black sea. A blend of Greek and Persian influences. Yes, Greek identity can challenge any Ukrainian Ethnic groups and prove Greeks were in the Black sea far before any Slavic ethnic group existed. What is commonly called the kingdom of Pontos flourished for over 200 years in the coastal regions of the Black Sea. At its peak in the early first century BC, it included much of the southern, eastern, and northern littoral, becoming one of the most important Hellenistic dynasties founded before a successor of Alexander the Great. It also posed one of the greatest challenges to Roman imperial expansion in the East. Not until 63 BC, after many violent clashes, was Rome able to subjugate the kingdom and its last charismatic ruler Mithridates VI, who proved to be as formidable a foe to Rome as Hannibal. He has been called the greatest ruler of the Kingdom of Pontus. He cultivated an immunity to poisons by regularly ingesting sub-lethal doses; this practice, now called mithridatism, is named after him. After his death, he became known as Mithridates the Great. And after the full of Rome by the Germanic tribes and mercenaries from the far East of Asia that murdered most of the Romans and destroyed and looted Rome. Some Romans managed to flee to Byzantium and were saved by the Greek Royal Guards of Byzantium. The same Greek Royal Guards of Byzantium who trained the Anglo-Saxons from England, after they fled England from the Normans. The popes are not even Roman, that's why popes don't have last names. Poverty-stricken like one of many barbarians that invaded Europe was Odoacer, the Germanic king of the Torcilingi, and he self-proclaimed himself as the new Roman emperor and he embraced everything Roman and Greek. So the Roman state continued and some of its traditions were maintained, modern historians distinguish Byzantium from ancient Rome insofar as it was centred on Constantinople, oriented towards Greek rather than Latin culture and characterised by Orthodox Christianity. And Greek history records show that the Germanic tribe's were given the Netherlands and not Europe. Germanic peoples are nomadic like the Turks and British. There's an intelligent documentary in English to be made about Byzantium culture, and this isn't it. History is way more clear with a Hellenic classical education, and someone who speaks like a native Greek and not as an outsider/foreigner who learned Greek. Dionysius Pyrrhus requests the exclusive use of Hellene in his Cheiragogy: "Never desire to call yourselves Romans, but Hellenes, for the Romans from ancient Rome enslaved and destroyed Hellas." And George Gemistus Plethon pointed out to Constantine Palaeologus that the people he leads are "Hellenes, as their race and language and education testifies". Ducas Vatatzes, wrote in a letter to Pope Gregory IX about the wisdom that "rains upon the Hellenic nation". He maintained that the transfer of the imperial authority from Rome to Constantinople was national and not geographic, and therefore did not belong to the Latins occupying Constantinople: Constantine's heritage was passed on to the Hellenes, so he argued, and they alone were its inheritors and successors. His son, Theodore II Lascaris, was eager to project the name of the Greeks with true nationalistic zeal. He made it a point that "the Hellenic race looms over all other languages" and that "every kind of philosophy and form of knowledge is a discovery of Hellenes […]. What do you, O Rome, have to display?" No other small country can compare with Greece in terms of impact on human benefit. In the beginning... God created the Earth, and in the light blue waters, put a small ship to travel forever, in order not only to give birth but also to transfer great ideas all over the world ... He called that ship...HELLAS! The Greeks created it, the Germans copy it, and the English exploit it. The only good is knowledge, and the only evil is ignorance. Herodotus

[@ahmadtheIED]

Can't believe my man also pronounced Khosrow correctly. For real, you impress me more with every video, and it's always the tiny details. Can I ask you where you're from? I have trouble believing that anyone who can't read Arabic script could pronounce خسرو correctly. One note, the "kh" in Khusrow is a VERY hard and guttural "khhhhhh" noise, not the softer "khh" noise you made, apart from that you got it pitch perfect

[@FlashPointHx]

Nice - hope Robin reads this

[@siddharthpandya7763]

Would it also be difficult for north Indian languages? Urdu Hindi had a lot of Persian influence. We also share some of the words like aazadi- freedom with Persian.

[@riverlady982]

1:33:40 is the moment, as the ditches finished taking shape on the map the first time I watched this, that I was gob smacked in several ways I suddenly grasped the basics of what he was going to do. It's similar or the same, just upside-down, to some ancient traps found all over the world that Hunter Gatherer groups/tribes would create by building up stones, logs, and or earth while sometimes incorporating some available geological feature to make an area to spook a heard of animals into in order to make it easier to kill more animals at a time or bigger animals easier with less chance of getting injured themselves.

[@romancenturion6thlegion140]

As a knight of Holy Roman Empire, i approve your chronicles

[@FlashPointHx]

hahaha - awesome

[@Insectoid_]

Great video

[@FlashPointHx]

Appreciated !

[@michaelnorris2765]

Awesome

[@FlashPointHx]

Thanks!!

[@ciuyr2510]

Good stuff

[@FlashPointHx]

Thank you!

[@The_Honcho]

Belisarius’ defiance of Justinian is ironic considering it’s something Belisarius dealt with so much with his subordinates. It’s easy to criticize in hindsight of course, but as a General, Belisarius knew the importance of “big picture” situations so his decision was almost uncharacteristic.

[@namuamidabu48]

0:13 Chapter 10 29:00 Chapter 11

[@thefisherking78]

So good so good 😁

[@FlashPointHx]

Thanks !!

[@AlbaTavernMusicArt]

Love video

[@FlashPointHx]

Thank you so much !

[@FlashPointHx]

Alba - do you create your own music and artwork ?

[@homero_con_lechuguilla]

Just a thing, by 15:57 you mean grain, right?

[@FlashPointHx]

It's funny you bring this up. Yes the term Corn is a new world item - but I've seen it used in history books to denote any grain - especially used by people from England - for example JJ Norwich who is the master of Byzantine History also uses 'Corn' instead of grain.

[@homero_con_lechuguilla]

@@FlashPointHx Ok, interesting. Thanks

[@melvinjones3895]

Did you use anything by J>B> Bury

[@gabrielsa9751]

My day was shit until five seconds ago

[@FlashPointHx]

Its good knowing that I'm one of the high points of your day

[@zeusnitch]

Great content, but I miss the original narration voice :-/

[@FlashPointHx]

I'll have a video with my own voice up in no time =)

[@sreckom92]

What is the music in the outro? It's stunning!

[@FlashPointHx]

It’s a song I got from Premiumbeats(dot)com called Persian Prophecy

[@sreckom92]

@@FlashPointHx Awesome! Thank you very much!

[@siddharthpandya7763]

@@sreckom92 damn good thing, I was looking for the music too

[@sreckom92]

@@siddharthpandya7763 Just randomly came back to this video, and this comment section. I have purchased the rights to the song Persian Prophecy by Justin Breame. I have uploaded it to KZbin: kzbin.info/www/bejne/m3bLdplmi8SdodU

[@debztully1339]

Love U!

[@lorenburnham821]

O I missed this

[@FlashPointHx]

Enjoy Loren!

[@Kanoemirate]

@History Marche directed me here

[@FlashPointHx]

Good to know - he's a buddy of mine

[@tudorgheorghe8041]

Good video, but are you mentioning that they milled corn, at 16:00? I thought corn was only introduced to Europe 1000 years later.

[@FlashPointHx]

This was a common statement in a lot of texts - ‘corn’ was used as a term to indicate any harvest.

[@tudorgheorghe8041]

@@FlashPointHx Fair. Thank for the clarification.

[@numenoreaneternity6682]

The part of the map that details the distribution of peoples north of the Danube is grossly inaccurate, the Proto-Bulgars would've still resided in what is known as "Old Great Bulgaria", whereas the Avars would arrive in Europe only two decades later at the behest of the Roman emperor Tiberius who had invited them as Rome's Foederati against the Slavs and the Kutrigurs. During the 6th and 7th centuries, the most numerous and the most dangerous enemies to the ERE at the Danube were the Slavs - the Sclavenes and the Antes. Menander Protector: "(...) About the fourth year of the reign of Caesar Tiberius Constantine, some hundred thousand Slavs broke into Thrace and pillaged that and many other regions. As Greece was being laid waste by the Slavs, with trouble liable to flare up anywhere, and as Tiberius had at his disposal by no means sufficient forces, he sent a delegation to the Khagan of the Avars. (...)"

[@rockstar450]

Justinian's reprimanding of Belisarius really was just politics. Strong commenders weren't just a risk of betrayal, they were an alternative decenters could rally around. The challenges to the empire, much of it out of the Roman's control created instability. Justinian managed to successfully run the empire, push architecture and law that inflected Europe all without being a general. Without the climate and plague he'd arguably be behind Augustus in terms of achievement

[@FlashPointHx]

Without the plague he might have reunited the empire

[@rockstar450]

@@FlashPointHx have a lot of respect with how you do your best to convey both sides and the challenges involved. History is lived by the people under these personalities, not just the titans of their time. Your commitment to bring prominence to Duncan and Pierce as well is admirable. Keep it up!

[@moy101]

Still waiting for that Cortez and the Azteca video.....

[@FlashPointHx]

I'm in the middle of Isabella as well - we're almost up to 1474 - Cortez is right around the corner

[@h8haz]

Belisarius one of the best Roman generals ever !

[@jamesashley9127]

Ye yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes!!!

[@FlashPointHx]

Hahaha - I'm happy that you're happy

[@zarroaster3009]

How did Belisarius mill corn on the Tiber river? Isn't the new world still 1000 years in the future? ;p

[@FlashPointHx]

Nah ‘corn’ was a generic term given in antiquity to any grain. Caesar used it in his memoirs in Gaul

[@flolow6804]

How was it possible that byzantian strenghth was reduced after the victory in Tunesia ? Shouldnt this have been a huge new source of income for the empire while losing next to nothing in terms of ressources invested ?

[@FlashPointHx]

It also was a place that would blow up in revolt and needed men to garrison

[@histguy101]

It would take until 548 to really secure Africa. After that, it was a wealthy and peaceful province.

[@mistaman4638]

Love your stuff, But Honestly Hopeful you're going to do something we haven't seen before.. Only have seen one deal on the Cambodian & Hendo/ India God Kings .. Have been researching an Its so Crazy Interesting, Iv lost my crusader spirit 🙈🙊

[@FlashPointHx]

Wow! Thats definitely a niche topic - you're right it likely hasn't gotten much coverage

[@Jinkaza1882]

See. I am here. Hello! 👋

[@FlashPointHx]

Thanks for coming - I saw your comment on Twitter as well!

[@cardenevans5580]

its almost like belisarius reminds me of aurelian

[@byzantinetales]

The new Roman going for old Rome. What’s better than watching that?

[@FlashPointHx]

Ha! Nothing ! Love following your work on Insta

[@mkhex87]

Wasn't this at the time of the supervolcanoes that caused cold climate and global famines?

[@FlashPointHx]

according to the tree ring study yes

[@allones3078]

What happen to the spanish history you left us right the edge of the age of exploration and the conquesta?

[@FlashPointHx]

Making it right now! Part 3 should be out in 2 weeks (its a long one)

[@allones3078]

@@FlashPointHx very nice though i love the new content you left us on quite the cliff hanger there.

[@taylorjensen2787]

This narrator isn't the quality I'm use to from the channel. Seems a bit labored or bored. When you had done them, your voice has excitement about what you are teaching which makes it exciting to learn. That's just me. Still... great work. I mean really great. I've learned so much from this channel, watched for 2.5 yrs now.

[@FlashPointHx]

Appreciate that Taylor - glad you like my voice. =) This is a collaboration with Robin Pierson - he did the audio and I do the video. He's a legend in the podcast world and his podcast has millions of downloads. Figured we could help each other out and promote history in the process.

[@ethanpf449]

Did you get a new narrator?

[@FlashPointHx]

No - this is just a collaboration with another podcaster who provided me the audio. I will have my own content with my own voice up in no time

[@jeebus6263]

47:00 Belacarious should have brought the goths to fight on the east

[@xjuliussx]

there is no explaination why Belisarius arrived and invaded Italy with a smaller army than the one in North Afrika. He would have enough recruits and money from local taxes to build even a bigger army.

[@stuka80]

Not only that but Narses, after years of war and deadly plague, arrived in Italy reputedly with around 35,000 troops to complete the conquest of Italy. Its criminal that Justinian could only trust Belisarius with 7k and miraculous that he accomplished so much with so few numbers and disobedient subordinates.

[@ricocampos1331]

Corn? 🤔 In Rome at this time?

[@FlashPointHx]

Hahahah - Rico everyone gets hung up on this. Yes corn was a new world crop. But I've seen it used - especially in texts from British authors - Like John Julius Norwich used the term in his A short history of Byzantium

[@ricocampos1331]

@@FlashPointHx I get it. 🤭

[@Roxxek]

Nawet na to Słowianie mieli wpływ XD

[@henkstersmacro-world]

👍👍👍...😁

[@FlashPointHx]

hahaha - YEAH!! Nothing until I get that three thumbs up Henk!!

[@thespartan8476]

There is an intelligent documentary to be made in English about Constantinople culture, and this isn't it. Byzantium was colonized by Greeks from Megara in the 7th century BC and remained primarily Greek-speaking until its conquest by the Ottoman Empire in AD 1453. The most interesting things about Constantinople culture are Greek and ignored in this documentary. And the Eastern Roman Empire was Constantinople Greek and Greek orthodox Byzantine. Some Romans mostly peasants managed to flee to Constantinople from the Germanic people and were Saved by Greek Soldiers. The same Greek Soldiers that trained and Saved what was left of the Anglo-Saxons, after the Norman Conquest of England. Anglo-Saxons also fled to Constantinople because the kingdom of Byzantine became a popular destination for many Anglo-Saxon soldiers, as it was in need of mercenaries. Constantinople were Greek-speaking throughout Late Antiquity and the Middle Ages. The Greeks were the main inhabitants of the lands of the Byzantine or (Eastern Roman Empire), of Constantinople and Asia Minor (modern Turkey), not Romans. The Crusader's were Latin Catholic and Germanic peoples, not even Romans. Germanic peoples Murdered , most of the Romans in Rome. So it was the Germanic Murderers, thieves, rapist who invaded Constantinople. The Catholic Church had no authority over Constantinople, because Rome was captured and destroyed and looted by the Germanic peasants. Germanic peasants were never even Christian. History of Constantinople is way more clear with a Hellenic education, and someone who speaks like a native Greek and not as an outsider/foreigner who learned Greek. Greece has more information than the internet. Fall Of Rome was the best thing that ever happened to humanity. It's just ashamed the Greeks didn't defeat the Germanic peasants and the Seljuk Turks. The world would have been far more advanced and peaceful today. No other small country can compare with Greece in terms of impact on human benefit. And that's a fact, indeed. The Greek emperor Alexios of Constantinople was appalled, indeed. Eventually the Islamic conquest got to undo all that the Latin crusaders had fought so hard for. what a lost for everybody even the lost of the Seljuk dynasty. The crusaders were just a bunch of unholy professional mercenaries that slaughtered people for money. Meaningless.

[@augustvalek]

Belisarius was a seriously lucky mf

[@andreimacovschi4091]

Hmmm corn in 536 in Europe. They discovered America?

[@FlashPointHx]

This has been an ongoing point of interest. ‘Corn’ was used as a term to indicate any type of grain. Even in Caesar’s Gallic War he uses this term

[@hachibidelta4237]

It's the Roman empire

[@saimirmatlliu7219]

The maps of the balcans it’s not right. Macedonia? You maybe are totally ignorant or perhaps ignoring purposely the ilyria or albania of today. So sad that very important points off history are left aside even when ilyria was a very important maybe a major factor in the balcans during this time. Shame

[@histguy101]

Illyria is labeled Dalmatia, one of the provinces of Illyricum. Macedonia and Thracia were Diocese(groupings of provinces), Dalmatia is the portion of Illyricum that Justinian reconquered. But, yes. He does make a mistake by putting Dacia north of the Danube when it was south of the Danube in this period, and was its own Diocese, west of Thracia, north of Macedonia. East Illyricum was the name of the whole Prefecture(a grouping of Diocese).

[@zograf4572]

Catholicism didn't exist in the times of Justinian.