Elite and Levy Units of the Eastern Roman Army

[@KingsandGenerals]

Sharing is caring, I promise. Think about your fellow beings. Maybe one of them ends up finding a portal and drops into the XI century, how will they survive without this knowledge?

[@KiranSingh-zr8jr]

True. Going to share it

[@perikleshistory]

I wish that would happen to me

[@RR-ut3xl]

We'd all like to think we'd be Kings of the world with today's knowledge but more than likely we'd be executed for being a crazy heathen 🤣

[@DanishKhan-vu5je]

Hey can you guys do an episode about How pirates operated and how they made money. You can also make this in to a series starting from the earliest known pirates to the modern Era.

[@discombobulation3016]

Can you make a video about the Chola dynasty and its king Raja Raja Cholan who had an Empire and the battle with Srivijaya Empire over Trade Routes

[@SultanOfAwesomeness]

The ERE really does have one of the most straightforward yet complicated unit structures that I’ve ever studied. So many different types of units with so many similar duties. It’s...quite byzantine, really.

[@GanjaMasterBlaster]

Indeed Also having to buy their own equipment reminds me of the pre marian roman army

[@howdoyouturnthison7827]

It was a real empire.

[@georgedoe4827]

Actually its quite Greek not byzantine. Most of these complications are a direct result of simple messing up or contradicting interests... There was no Byzantium. It was just the Greek Era of the Roman Empire. "Byzantines" behaved and acted more like ancient and modern Greeks than like Romans

[@catalyst772]

Ah yes the greeks, famous for having a senate

[@Ajaylix]

Its similar to the earlier Roman formations yet it looks like the mongol decimal system i think

[@armaholic5949]

I'm Greek and I could understand the purpose of each tagma just by it's name! They never taught us this stuff in school so thank you very much for your effort!

[@Joe-po9xn]

Care to elaborate?

[@Pavlos_Charalambous]

@@Joe-po9xn many terms are used even today in modern Greek, for example stratigos is general, tagnatarchis major, lochagos captain and so on, most of the words in Greek language are self explanatory 😉 kavalarioi in medieval Greek are the riders, scoutatoi are the ones carrying the heavy shield" scouta" clivanarioi are the ironclad ones voukelarioi are the ones who eat together - like a family around the table, the terms usually are quite literal 😉

[@ericconnor8251]

@@IonidisIX You're going to mention the prehistorical Neolithic period that occurred centuries before Bronze Age Indo-European migrations but not Greece's "Archaic" period at the beginning of the Iron Age? The age of Cleomenes, Lycurgus, Solon, Pythagoras, etc.? Strange choice, but overall good points. History can be used as a breeding ground for nationalism, but it should still be taught.

[@gilpaubelid3780]

@@savioblanc It is. Even at schools the history lessons are divided into: 3 years ancient Greek history, 3 years byzantine history and 3 years modern history.

[@Pavlos_Charalambous]

@@savioblanc yes it's really a big thing, some times more than they should but the thing with the public education is that they don't get into technical details for example they don't explain much about the ancient Greek phalanx, the eastern Roman armies or even the 19th century Greek rebels, they most focus on the main narrative, diplomacy, war declarations Rebellions ect I mean half of the things I mentioned above I know them from my military service

[@johng7003]

I really love the fact that Byzantine or more accurately the Eastern Roman Empire becomes slowly but surely more admired by people and gets them interested in learning about it. Byzantine armours especially of the the skoutatoi and the cataphracts remains some of my favorite European armors. Digenes Akritas story should also become more famous. He is basically a more medieval greek version of Heracles

[@junior1497]

I first learned about them thanks to Medieval Total War 1

[@Pavlos_Charalambous]

I love the where death himself being jealous of digenis challenges him in duel at " the fields of marble" Greek medieval poetry some times gets really surreal 😁

[@gula_rata]

Most accurate is just Roman Empire. After the 'West' fell and was defacto dissolved, the 'East' was also legally dissolved, and all remaining territory became a single reunited Roman Empire. Both Western and Eastern Empires technically ended. So even though most of remaining territory was in eastern regions, it all became one single united 'Roman Empire'.

[@Pavlos_Charalambous]

@@gula_rata for them it was "η βασιλιά των Ρωμαίων" the rule of the Romans 😉

[@Spartan-1821]

@@gula_rata so why did Latins call our emperor “emperor of the Greeks” and refuse to recognise him as Roman ?

[@paolovirtuani7826]

Kudos for keeping all Greek terms relatively untouched (e.g. Kataphraktoi instead of Cataphracts). It gives a more realistic experience. Also, I can't get enough of these nice graphics, there's something really addictive about them. Thanks!

[@rav9066]

im confused - were the cataphracts called Kataphraktoi or Cataphractarii?

[@georgedoe4827]

@@matthiuskoenig3378 not really. The word "Cataprhracts" comes from the word "Kataphraktoi" which in Greek means something like "the one who wears full armor ". The word is still used in modern Greek to describe someone heavily armored.

[@Pavlos_Charalambous]

@@matthiuskoenig3378 more like ironclad or completely covered with armour 😉

[@joelwu2254]

The video presenters greek accent is off

[@ΛεωνάνδροςΠεργαμενός]

yes but the pronunciation is wrong. Medieval greek pronunciation was same as todays Katharevousa. He uses ancient classical Greek pronunciation for medieval Greek.

[@MatterCool90]

I admire the Romans' ability to adapt and survive to the ages, against the odds. Very fascinating seeing how much they've changed from their predecessors. Imagine if they had survived until the days of WW1?

[@nicholasthuya7683]

Well then the balkans wouldn’t be quite a mess

[@popmonika]

Well seeing as when they conquered Constantinople, the Ottoman's considered themselves a continuation of the empire just a change in religion (like Constantine) then perhaps they did.

[@GeneralPet]

@@popmonika Imagine claiming to be the empire you just destroyed. What kind of delusion is this?

[@jameskid1989]

@@GeneralPet Whatever to help them feel more European than Turkic(since the majority of them are just force-converted Anatolian people)

[@Liquidsback]

@@GeneralPet (Alexander the Great sweats)

[@HistoryOfRevolutions]

Erich Fromm once wrote: "Respect is not fear and awe; it is the ability to see a person as he is, to be aware of his unique individuality. Respect, thus, implies the absence of exploitation. I want the loved person to grow and unfold for his own sake, and in his own ways, and not for the purpose of serving me"

[@lesROKnoobz]

I'm saving this quote. Awesome. Thanks for sharing this

[@harrystacey8391]

Thank you for this, great representation of Respect.

[@Mohammed-vc4ib]

imagine a Roman army with cannons and guns, cause it existed. Thats what i love most about Romans, They fought against hannibal and Succesors of alaxanders but they also fought against turks with cannons and muskets.

[@alg7115]

They also famously had flame throughers

[@obiwan3375]

@@alg7115 *Greek fire

[@locomotivebearingdown5381]

@@obiwan3375 *Roman* fire. That is what the "byzantine" Romans called it. Greek fire was what the Catholics called it because they refused to recognize it as Roman!

[@obiwan3375]

@@locomotivebearingdown5381 ok thx m8 👍

[@matthewbabao9684]

@@alg7115 flame throwers

[@napoleonibonaparte7198]

A coverage on the fate of the legions would be interesting.

[@Changdao1644]

Apparently the last one fell fighting the Arabs during their expansion into the Levant

[@lijunasuguerra6424]

I think Invicta covered it on his channel

[@aqui1ifer]

To my knowledge, a fair number of the initial Themes, especially in Anatolia, were made from & took the names of the legions originally from those specific areas.

[@Dustz92]

@@aqui1ifer no, they took the name of the field armies (like the thrace army becoming the trakesion). Legions had been a thing of the past for a while

[@alexelmaleh3076]

@@Dustz92 that’s right; the Opsikion was formed from the remnants of the old Obsequium Praesentalis, the Army in the Imperial Presence i.e. the Imperial field army that followed the emperor or his appointed commander on campaign and was effectively destroyed in the initial campaigns against the Rashidun Caliphate.

[@Mrkabrat]

The eastern roman army was a big fan of "If you can't beat them, pay them to join you" strategy, at least by its later years when it relied on mercenary troops quite a bit

[@georgedoe4827]

So many wars, so many years, so many enemies, so many battles, so many dead eastern Romans... Nobody could beat them all...! Nobody had that much manpower. Eventually you'll have to pay them. The Franks did the same with the Vikings as the Saxons did with the Danes

[@enigmachinasclass8153]

They were the definition of a "tall empire".

[@geordiejones5618]

@@enigmachinasclass8153 is that how they were able to retain Greece and western Anatolia for so long? Its amazing they didn't crumble under the weight of Islam. I wonder how all those Muslim leaders would feel watching the Crusaders fuck up Constantinople after all their failed efforts.

[@enigmachinasclass8153]

@@geordiejones5618 They persisted for so long because they were never able to grow complacent, constant unyielding warfare tempered them into a force to be reckoned with. I only wish they'd have settled down a bit more before expanding so far to the west. The crutraitors opened up the opportunity for the Muslim forces to finally kick the Romans while they were already down. My thoughts on what the Ottomans likely said upon hearing this "It's free real estate".

[@mohammedabdul641]

@@geordiejones5618 caliph umar without a doubt could have taken control over anatolia under his reign but he decided not to expand his lands too much.

[@johnypsilantis2442]

The kataphraktoi of Nikephoros Phokas and John Tzimiskes are one of the greatest military units of all time...glad to see them get some screen time as they are usually forgotten.

[@tigranispiryan4865]

Fun fact the Byzantine military was mostly Armenian. Even the elite imperial guards, the Scholae Palatinae were mostly Armenians! : )

[@zippyparakeet1074]

​@@tigranispiryan4865It wasn't mostly Armenian although a large part of it was especially the Easternmost themes such as Armenian Sicilia. They were the first to face any Arab or other eastern invasions.

[@sorrybro4890]

Four uploads in one week! What a good time to be alive

[@TorvusVae]

Once upon a time I was a classical Rome fanboy, but as I get older and read more, the ERE and medieval Roman empires are way more interesting

[@ariyoiansky291]

The beautiful struggle to maintain its place at the top, and what a fight Rome put up all the way to the end of it.

[@pedroalencar6407]

Nah, the ERE feels melancholic af

[@hello-gx6oi]

@@ariyoiansky291 yeah people relate to struggles

[@judsonwall8615]

Definitely. Highly recommend Robin Pierson’s podcast “The History of Byzantium” if you like Byzantine history. It’s by far my favorite history podcast and he does a fantastic job of putting into perspective the Byzantine struggle for survival.

[@Diogolindir]

I could relate to this until you say "more interesting" to me they are interesting for different reasons but I used to reject late antiquity/medieval roman history but Im correcting that as Im getting older.

[@kicokyaw1039]

Omg finally, you have no idea how long I waited for this

[@KashouWannabe]

I love this channels work on Roman and related military history. I was never good at the subject, but grew to love the Antiquity Era through the Asterix books. I dabble in various games such as Mount and Blade and Crusader Kings and try and base various units and tactics off what I learn from videos like this. Great work, and always like a fellow fan of MATN.

[@GanjaMasterBlaster]

I love the antiquity, early medieval and early modern era Also love dabbling on Mount and Blade Warband (there is a cool mod known as The Deluge, and a Bannerlord modding team making The Deluge With Fire and Sword, and hope there will be a antiquity era mod with both single player and multi player)

[@KashouWannabe]

@@GanjaMasterBlaster Look into Eagle Rising, such a great mod that I would play constantly if it worked with all the features of Realistic Battles. But yeah awesome work mod.

[@mindclipers8112]

f1 f3 is best strategy dont listen to this guy.

[@sasi5841]

I would highly recommend Total War Attila, it has many of the units presented in the video. The graphics are also great. According to many, it is the most difficult total war game. However it is one of (if not the best) for people who like ERE.

[@vincitomniaveritas3981]

I'm regularly amazed at how you produce these brilliant videos at such a great pace.

[@vincesettineri]

So glad you guys covered this period because very few people cover armor weapons and unit structure of medevil rome

[@junninterim2424]

KZbin becomes a treasure box of knowledge because of channels like this. Sir, God bless you and may your work prosper. Keep safe and I pray for your wellbeing.

[@felixphilippe7224]

this is extremely superficial, and youtube is not 'a treasure box of knowledge'.

[@chriskw4362]

I am from Cyprus and one of our local legends involves the mountainous region of Pentadaktylos ( five figures = five peaks) and Digenis. They say that he grabbed the mountain and rose from the sea to fight the Arabs. That's how important the Akrites were back then!

[@ali95ah]

Did he also slay bears and Lions with his bare hands? Like Basil of the "Diogenes Akritas"? Reminds me of the legend of Heracles

[@GeneralPet]

I thought the mountain was already there, he just put his hand to jump over it and the 5 peaks formed from the gaps between his fingers.

[@ali95ah]

@Mastor Technon Interesting. Almost seems like he was inspired by ancient Greek mythology, which makes people like him demi-gods. But I wonder if the man in the Diogenes Akritas was a real person, or completely made up.

[@ali95ah]

@Mastor Technon I understand completely. My question was specific. Was not asking if the details surrounding this border soldier were real or not, I was asking if he did exist or was completely made up. Think Alexander and Achilles. The former was a real person, the latter was not. But I think you answered me in a way which highlights the importance of the Akritai, regardless if Basileos was a real person or not.

[@ali95ah]

@Mastor Technon 👍

[@ravensthatflywiththenightm7319]

I've wondered an extremely long time what the Byzantines used in battle. Finally this video answers it all.

[@GanjaMasterBlaster]

I always wondered too And i wanna say i love their armors, especially scale and lamellar armors

[@Fiaw1]

Go buy a book. This just scratches the surface.

[@ravensthatflywiththenightm7319]

@@Fiaw1 Just "a book"? That's extremely unhelpful.

[@EloiFL]

¡Gracias!

[@auradzrts691]

Thank you for covering this, I always fascinated to the Eastern Roman Army, especially their organizations and their armor.

[@ikediz]

Damn. Can this channel get any better? K&G started my KZbin history addiction. So many now Fall of Civilizations, Flashpoint History, Invicta, HistoryMarche, The Cold War channel, etc. I just can't get enough. Great vid.

[@shibre9543]

the drawings are so good good job guys

[@marcomavro]

Thanks!

[@naidenromanov3050]

Really interesting that Rhomphaia and the Thracian(phrygian) helmet were still in use so late in the Roman empire. Even tho those Thracian weapons were used only by the palace guards, it is quietly fascinating.

[@terry7907]

While the knowledge conveyed is always outstanding, what I find most impressive is the flawless pronunciation, no matter which language is being used.

[@Lex45173]

Not flawless. I am Greek and many words and names are pronounced wrong but it's a good effort.

[@TSmith-yy3cc]

The writing, detail and visuals in the team's work are absolutely fantastic; this channel's presentation is second-to-none.

[@Artur_M.]

Thanks for introducing me to Digenes Akritas! BTW you can find fragments of the epic poem sang here on KZbin.

[@denniscleary7580]

Love playing as the eastern Roman a.k.a. the Byzantine empire in my total war game, very challenging and interesting history

[@dariusmot8440]

The byzantine empire is my favorite empire! Cood you do one on Nikephoros Phocas conquering the Cyprus island, cilicia and Antioch. Thanks

[@brokenbridge6316]

I really like hearing about the Byzantine's and their military structure. And this video was a good one. Great job. My compliments to all those who made this video a reality.

[@AlphaCrucis]

That track that started at 5:27 was pretty cool. Very fitting for that segment.

[@paulstephensia1412]

Hope you make more videos about the Byzantine Empire lives of prominent figures like Alexios I ,Michael the Amorian, and many of their great generals and Emperors.

[@ArchDuke_Romellenios_Lanz]

The video I've been waiting for.

[@rataplanrrr]

Great summary of a pretty complex subject - cheers!

[@RhmnLego]

Please do more Byzantine histories. It has been my obsession for the past 2 years. Maybe Heraklios campaigns?

[@TakisParganas]

Something that you guys will find useful. Every word ending in "oi" eg Skoutatoi, kataphraktoi etc, it's simply pronounced as "e", not "oi". One of your best videos, loved it.

[@ariyoiansky291]

Had to watch again, just love the detail you guys include.

[@adrianwebster6923]

It would be an interesting supplement to have a video focused on the evolution of the Byzantine arms factories (fabrica) and their role in maintaining a strong military structure while much of Europe became less standardized.

[@aveimperia4026]

Just a suggestion, but perhaps for the next video we could hear about the many glorious exploits of Caesar's favorite Tenth Legion?

[@user-sc5iv2rp2t]

I remember learning folk songs in elementary school about Digenis Akritas back in the 90s. I hope that Greek kids are still taught of him.

[@dimk735]

they do

[@russellgardener126]

How timely....I'm in the middle of playing the Byzantium Endures tournament on Field of Glory II Multiplayer. You get to play 5 rounds against different historical opponents between about 500 and 950 AD. This explains the units a bit more.

[@mohammedabdul641]

Is the game free on mobile

[@russellgardener126]

@@mohammedabdul641 not as far as I know. But it is available via Steam. It isnt free, but doesnt cost too much. It's worth checking it out and seeing whether you like. You can play as Caesar, Alexander, ancient China, or as the Arab wars of conquest....endless possibilities

[@ramiromen6595]

I'd love to see a vid about the second civil war of Palaiologos, i think it's the moment when the empire truly crossed the point of no return and pretty much became destined to fall.

[@leroyholm9075]

Excellent production and dialogue, highly recommended!

[@Mr_M_History]

The notification hits right before I finally go to bed. Ah well, guess I'm falling down another rabbit hole tonight!

[@mikemodugno5879]

Awesome video! Can't wait for the next one. In light of the recent addition to AOE 2 Definitive Edition I would like to suggest a video about the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth.

[@CivilWarWeekByWeek]

I feel like they focused more on fashion than warfare. I agree with that choice.

[@thomasdaywalt7735]

Fashions overrated while historical fashion isn't but these days it is

[@wingedhussar1453]

@@thekraken1173 why is there always an asshole who just HAS to make a backhand response to a general comment just to start an argument

[@johntitor1256]

'The Roman Army ought to be the most fashionable of all the armies of the world. We gotta style all over those dirty barbarians.' - The Strategikon, definitely

[@johntitor1256]

Kidding aside, though, the Byzantine army may have been among the first people to observe a link between uniforms and morale. An 11th century version of the Strategikon says commanders should ensure that their horsemen have good mounts and well-kept equipment to make sure that the brave fight all the better and the timid would try to do their bit.

[@jadenpham8020]

@@thekraken1173 scale armor and lamella armor too heavy, expensive, and not durability like the chainmail of the West, looklike the ERE just change a little in 1000s years, that why they must ask Pope for the crusader from the West to help them stop the Muslims.

[@chaosspork]

Nice! I'm always happy to see more info about the later parts of Roman history. Thanks so much for doing this. You guys rock!

[@Ridingaroundandgettingit]

This was such a great episode!

[@ΛεωνάνδροςΠεργαμενός]

This is the best history Channel of all KZbin by far.

[@felixphilippe7224]

no

[@Mirko1913]

Yet another top notch video from Kings and Generals. Thanks for bringing knowledge into our world, guys, I absolutely love you!

[@thegreat8153]

Just a little fact from a Greek: In this video, "Kings and Generals" mentioned the Strategos, the highest in the hierarchy of the army. In Greek, Strategos means "One who leads an army". The plural of this word is "Strategoi". However, it's pronounced "Stratege" in Greek. In Greece, we have some letters combined that make a sound equivalent to some other letters. In "Strategoi", the "oi" in the end, is the equivalent of saying the letter "e". It's not the standard "e" like saying "boxer" but an "e" like "Strategos". And that is only the first combination of letters. We have another three of them that are completely different letters together, and one of them is the same sound as "oi" but it's written differently and is used in different scenarios. It's not difficult, just a little complicated.

[@Vitalis94]

What about the equivalents of Latin B and G? I'm listening the History of Byzantium podcast, and he pronounces basileus as vasilefs or something similar, while his pronounciation of the "g" in strategos is similar to the Dutch "g", or English "h", making it something along the lines of "Stra-ti-Hos" How accurate is it?

[@bigboyxxxXxxx]

hello fellow countryman! as far as i have studied, the modern way of pronouncing greek letters and phthongs is not necessarily the way they were pronounced back in the byzantine or classical era.time and culture and language intermixture has driven us to have like 5 "ι" which doesnt make any sence if there is no difference in saying "ι",'η","υ","οι" or "ει". look at languages that are much younger than ours, like the one we use right now, it is very simple and makes sence, both spoken and written. greek on the other hand makes sence only in written form ( you can identify the root of a word by looking at the way it is written). anyway this topic is very interesting and fairly difficult to discuss in a restricted environment like a youtube thread, but i can recommend a very good linguist for ancient languages, the channel name is polýMATHY. let me hear your thoughts, take care

[@thegreat8153]

@@Vitalis94 Yes, Basileus is another Greek word which means "King" in English. The "eu" in Basileus stands for the letter "f" in in Greek. It's not Stra-ti-hos but it's more..."g" like. In Greek, the letter "gamma" (γ) is not like the English "g". You could say that it's somewhat like the Dutch "g" but more..."g" like. Our "g" does not appear in the English language, so you should search how the Greek "Gamma" is pronounced. But if I had to explain it to you is to pronounce "h" but simultaneously, pronounce the "g" sound. If you speak French, you should have noticed by now that they don't pronounce the "r" in certain words. That sound that they make when they try to say the "r" in English but they can't, that's a very close sound to our "gamma". Like, really REALLY close. You should check it out, we have many interesting twists and turns here in our language, and the sad thing is that many words that we would normally use in our language, are forgotten because we cut ties with the ancient Greek language. That's a little add on if you wish to read it, it's alright. In Greek, if you wish to talk to someone and use a noun, you have to change it, to adjust itself to the person you are speaking to! In English, we only change the "I, You, He, She, It" while in Greek we change the noun too! Say, you are an advisor in the Byzantine military of a General, and he whishes of your presence, you would say "Yes, Strategos" right? Riiight? Well, no. In Greek, the correct way of saying it is "Yes Stratege" but the "e" in the end is like an "e" in the word "boxer". That happens with all the other "he, she it" stuff, in plural, every single one of "we, you, they, I, you, he, she, it", you change the noun. These kinds of things make my language so rich! Thanks for reading!

[@Vitalis94]

@@thegreat8153 Interesting. Greek is a fascinating language, it's weird I never felt the need to learn it. Another failure of a proclaimed Byzantophile. :D Anyways, thanks for your answer!

[@johng7003]

@@bigboyxxxXxxx I believe that after Alexander the Greats death and of course during the Hellenistic era and beyond the diphthongs in Greek were already slowly forming by the continuous and the development of Koine Greek (aka Common Greek language that everyone from any regions and dialects in the Greek world would speak). So in a way the people in during the Middle Ages and most notably the Byzantine Empire would already speak and sound with diphthongs in some of their words, such as "ει"being and sounding like "e" or "αι" being and sounding like "e" like " I have read".

[@jackhallander6706]

It’s so interesting how you can see the distinct Roman influence even as late as the 13th century in Byzantine armies. It was the medieval Roman Empire, indeed.

[@GanjaMasterBlaster]

Amazing video as always And i want to say, i love the equipment also always wondered how they would look in the 14th, 15th and 16th century Like imagine the Deluge wars with ERE

[@nikospapadopoulos1041]

The video is great and kudos for that. I think a great contribution in the shrinking and multiplication of number of themes (to constrain potential power of their Strategoi/Generals) and in the establishment of the professional Tagmata units as the centralized elite army and reserve in the Capital in the form they came to be was from the great soldier Emperor (and great administrator although reviled by many and certainly after his death and post the triumph of icon worshippers, for his harsh policies against icons and their supporters) Constantine V in the mid 8th c.

[@ilnigromante666]

K&G should seriously revisit the great Roman-Persian War and make a series on it!

[@gooner72]

Fantastic break down of these units, K&G's..... top job mate!!

[@huseyincobanoglu531]

Thank you Kings and Generals Team

[@mascadadelpantion8018]

Bless this channel and all that it's worth

[@King-Arveleg]

Fascinating topics and superb quality presentation.

[@muharremrevani3895]

I found it fascinating how the cavalry guards of Byzantine empire used the exact same equipment as Ottoman sipahis of the porte (with the exception of bow of course, every ottoman cavalryman had a bow)

[@tigranispiryan4865]

Fun fact the Byzantine military was mostly Armenian. Even the elite imperial guards, the Scholae Palatinae were mostly Armenians! : )

[@zippyparakeet1074]

Because the Ottomans copied the Byzantines. If it works don't fix it. A lot of Turkish culture and traditions are actually based on Byzantine and, subsequently, Roman traditions. It's just a byproduct of inheriting their land containing their people. A very simple example is the flag of the Ottomans and modern Turkey. It has the star and cresent right? That was an extremely common symbol in the Byzantine Empire which the Turks took and it ironically became the symbol of Islam due to the Ottomans assuming the title of Caliphate.

[@gregrefon]

So informative. Geek level 999! Thanks mate!

[@tigranispiryan4865]

Fun fact the Byzantine military was mostly Armenian. Even the elite imperial guards, the Scholae Palatinae were mostly Armenians! : )

[@marksarga4404]

I like the ck 2 background soundtrack at the end. Pls do more vids on the ERE! This stuff is amazing!

[@tttccc3151]

i have been waiting for this all my life - amazing video

[@gamelot12093]

The Theme was sortof a mini-version of an Exarchate (the Exarchates were created by Maurice who reigned 582-602), at provincial level, with combined civil-military powers. This overturned Diocletian's separation of the governors from military command. The new governors were called Strategoi, and while it probably improved reaction-time to foreign invasions, it also brought back the old pre-Diocletian problem of governors trying to seize the throne, sometimes successfully such as Leo III, who had been Strategos of the Anatolic Theme. Im wondering was the "Vigla" named after the old Vigiles that were sortof a town guard with policing duties.

[@paprskomet]

Term "Vigla" was definitelly derived from latin but as for guard regiment it was not necessarilly an evolution from old police force of ancient roman Vigiles.Vigiles continued to exist even in "Byzantine" times of the Roman empire and not just in Constantinople but in other cities too.Lawcode of Justinian mentions them and they are also attested under name "Vigla"-exactly the same as later guard regiment but scholars usually says not to confuse both these existing institutions sharing name Vigla likely just because being men of watch-duty.

[@pseudomonas03]

The eccellent organization of the Thematai was one of the main reasons that the ERE survived for so long, even if it had to face multiple threats at the same time. Basically Rhomania had three lines of defences. The Akritai (Ακρίτες) were the first line of defence, highly trained soldiers who had been granted lands near the borders, so they were at the same time guardians of the frontier, but also defenders of their lands. Their accomplishments became legendary, and they have turned to epic poems and songs (Greeks from Crete, Cyprus, Pontus, they still sing the adventures of Digenis Akritas). The second line of defence were the Thematic armies, who were ready to go in action, in case of an ongoing invasion, or when the Imperial Armies were busy elsewhere. An example of how this worked, when Basil II the Bulgarslayer was fighting the Arabs in Syria, the Bulgars of tzar Samuel, invaded Southern Greece, but was defeated by the Thematic Army of the Strategos Nikephoros Ouranos. The third line of defence was the Imperial Army, the most well trained and better equipped lead by the Basileus himself, where the need was more urgent. Add to all these were the Imperial but also the Thematic fleet. The Drouggarios of the fleet (admiral) was a military title which survived untill 1453. For example The leader of the Cretan archers, who were among the last defenders of Constantinople against the Ottomans, Manoussos Kalikratis from the region of Sfakia, still hold the title of Drouggarios. Great video. Thank you.

[@jadenpham8020]

Many crusader help them survire when the Muslim must fight with the Western knight in 400 years.

[@Montechristoss]

ο μανουσσος καλικρατης και οι περιφημοι κρητικοι τοξοτες

[@pseudomonas03]

@@Montechristoss Οι τελευταιοι υπερασπιστες της Πολης.

[@Montechristoss]

@@pseudomonas03 ναι ακομα και αν η Πολη ειχε πεσει αυτοι συνεχισαν να πολεμουν !

[@roe2012]

Sling shot really could useful, since times of David. The darts also interesting. Spear was a standard defense weapon to bring.

[@GanjaMasterBlaster]

I was really hoping you would make a video on Greek Fire

[@matts7125]

This was a really interesting video!

[@ariyoiansky291]

Just saved my day, perfect timing

[@trueLucif3RR]

great episode as always!

[@АлексейШле]

You didn t mentioned about units of flamethrowers (syphonophorus?). Which were quite awesome.

[@israeltovar3513]

I was surprised that you didn't use Dawson's references. I thought so at first, because of the information, but he is absent from the references. He is an authority, even available to manufacture armor and saddles from the time. He wrote two illustrated books about both the Roman infantry and the tagmata, and has been publishing about Eastern Roman military affairs for years now. His website, Levantia, is a trove of information about all this matters...

[@tezcanuyank3446]

Another great video please make video about ottoman army equipments and tactics series please

[@cembiten911]

You are best thing ever happened to KZbin

[@strategosopsikion8576]

Awesome video man! Love all the detail.

[@Slava22222]

Thanks Kings and Generals, It was an Interesting video.

[@loupiscanis9449]

Thank you , K&G .

[@GloriousGrunt]

Awesome breakdown, thanks!

[@ere10466]

Thanks for the video. Roman history is so interesting

[@tiofelioabito8820]

What gets me is pausing to think about how many years passed between the major events of Byzantine existence.

[@domagoj905]

What a site Constantinople must've been! I love Byzantium!

[@anomalocaris7436]

Have you considered doing a video on King Kamehameha's conquests of Oahu and Maui?

[@ckaiborbor]

You guys are on a roll, keep it up!!! 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@stefanvella9807]

I don't know why there isn't a great movie about the Byzantines. Belisarius, Heraclius, Nicephoros Phocas, John Tzimiskes, Basil II, The Komneni etc.

[@Latinkon]

Would love to see a well made Byzantine TV series on par with HBO's _Rome_ someday.

[@Tzimiskes3506]

@@Latinkon they are Romans. Not "byzantine".

[@Latinkon]

@@Tzimiskes3506 I'm aware. Just used the term to help simplify things.

[@HAYAOLEONE]

Nice video.

[@ageingviking5587]

Good stuff ! Thanks Ks&Gs..... I've always considered the Cataphracts the original TANK ..

[@ΒασιλείατῶνῬωμαῖων]

Ζήτω ἡ Βασιλεία τῶν Ῥωμαῖων, ἡ Νὲα Ῥώμη εἶναι ἡ πραγματικὴ πρωτεύουσα ἡμῶν. Χαῖρε Αὐτοκράτορ καὶ Βασιλεῦ Ρωμαῖων! Αἰῶνια ἡ μνήμη τοῦ ὓστατου Καίσαρος Αὐγούστου, Κωνσταντίνου ΙΑ Παλαιολόγου

[@nikostombris5505]

Μαζί σου 100%%%

[@nikostombris5505]

@Peter I.R. Εγώ να δεις αδελφέ μου πόσο συγκινήθηκα επίσης οταν είδα το σχόλιο . Είναι κρίμα να αποσιωπούνται 1000 χρόνια ένδοξης ελληνικής ιστορίας . Κρατάμε αδέλφια !!!

[@paulos2089]

Βλέπω είμαστε αρκετοί . Μπράβο παίδες.

[@paulos2089]

@Ελληνας Γραικος ο όρος "Ελλην" την εποχή του Βατατζη εχει αποκατασταθεί. Ωστόσο δεν παύουν να αποκαλούν εαυτούς Ρωμαίους γιατί αυτο ειναι. Το δυτικό λατινοφωνο τμήμα έπεσε στους βαρβάρους στις αρχες του 5ου αιώνα , ενω το ανατολικό ελληνόφωνο τμήμα τράβηξε μέχρι το 1453. Οι επαναστάτες το 1821 μιλάνε για Έλληνες αλλά και για Ρωμιοσύνη. Οι Έλληνες πήραν τον τίτλο του Ρωμαίου πολίτη επι αυτοκράτορα Καρακαλα αρχες 3ου αιώνα αν θυμάμαι καλα.

[@paulos2089]

@Ελληνας Γραικος Δεν αντιλέγω καθόλου. Τη Ρωμιοσύνη δεν την χαρίζουμε σε κανενα ωστόσο. Ο ορος Βυζαντινή Αυτοκρατορία δεν είναι παρα ενα κατασκεύασμα του 16ου αιωνα. Παντα μιλάμε για την Ανατολική Ρωμαϊκή Αυτοκρατορία οι πολίτες της οποίας αποκαλούνται Ρωμαίοι ανεξαρτήτως εθνικότητας. Είτε αυτοί είναι Έλληνες, είτε Σλάβοι, είτε οτιδήποτε άλλο. Όλοι τους Ρωμαίοι πολίτες. Ηγετης αυτών ο πιστός εν Χριστώ Βασιλεύς, Αυτοκράτωρ Ρωμαίων . Και ο Ιουστινιανός αυτοκράτορας Ρωμαίων ήταν αλλα οχι Έλληνας το γενος. Ο Βατατζης προφανώς αναφέρεται στους αυτοκράτορες απο τη Μακεδονική δυναστεία και έπειτα.

[@MucizatTevarih]

We will catch you on the next one.

[@philipd1439]

I just love your videos!! Thank You!!

[@aleksapetrovic6519]

-The beacons are lit! Edessa calls for aid! -And Constantinople will answer!

[@Montechristoss]

yes they actually had beacons acrooss the empire to alarm for enemies

[@thewarriorfrog]

Can you make video about Zengid Empire and fall of Crusader Kingdom of Edessa :)

[@machveqsa2129]

I love Byzantine empire thanks for this cool video

[@bretalvarez3097]

It should be noted that the Byzantine chroniclers wrote in the Attic classical style, and in that style they used "rhomphaia" to mean double handed axe. The true rhomphaia that the Thracians used was never in use by the Roman Empire, Original, Western or Eastern.

[@apopleonapopleontos4658]

Νο they didnt mean the axe. Rhomphaia was not a particular weapon, but any weapon which could bring terror and divine justice, like the "rhomphaias" of the Bible did.

[@bretalvarez3097]

@@apopleonapopleontos4658 While what you say is true, when they refer to the Varangian "Rhomphaia" they most definitely meant the double handed axe. If it had not been in reference to the Varangians then you would be 100% correct.

[@kaizikenpinas]

Damn. This calls for another Bannerlord Imperial run 🤣 Thank you for covering Byzantine history K&G!!! ❤️

[@gian0giorg]

Cataphracts of Praecepta militaria did not had the spear as a primary weapon, only the ones of the flanks of the triangular formation had it in order to protect the formation. Their main weapon was the mace as their armor was expected to protect them from the impact of the (slow) charge against the enemy infantry and made them able to fight in close melee.

[@TheChiconspiracy]

From what I've read, many infantry would carry maces as well to deal with heavy Sassanid and later Arab cavalry.

[@jorgemasvidal7566]

Video about buyid dinasty next please ❤🙏

[@paulcormon6765]

Super video! 👌

[@larikauranen2159]

Something similar was developed by the swedes during the early 17th century called the allotment system(Indelningsverket) since geopolitically they faced a rather similar situation with overwhelming opposition. I myself have somewhat theorized that the political heads in sweden at this time must have somehow learned about the byzantine themata system and apply it to the standards of the time. I know the differences between them but nevertheless its extremelly fascinating. This was the army the snowking took to the field and obliterated the holy league So it would be nice if k&g would cover the swedish army that followed Gustav II Adolf into germany in more detail. The 30 years war at the end of the day did change the landscape europe significantly with sweden being on of the main powers for the restof the entire 17th century

[@johntitor1256]

I think they touched on that a little bit in the Thirty Years' War series, but I would like to know more.