Last War of Antiquity: Maurice and Khosrow II (Part 1)

Imperial History

Explore the epic stories of empires that shaped the world, from their triumphant rises to their dramatic falls. Each episode brings to life the power struggles, ambitions, and pivotal events that defined history’s greatest dominions.

Last War of Antiquity: Maurice and Khosrow II (Part 1)

E1 • Jan 2, 2025 • 25 mins

We explore the Byzantine-Sasanian War's origins, Khosrow II's strategic alliances, the pivotal Battle of Blarathon, and the internal strife leading to Phocas's coup. The episode closes with Khosrow II's declaration of war, setting the stage for future conflicts.

Key Points

The Byzantine and Sasanian empires' rivalry was a complex interplay of war, diplomacy, and mutual influence, with each side mirroring the other's strengths and ambitions.
Emperor Maurice's military and fiscal reforms, while aimed at stabilizing the Byzantine Empire, ultimately led to widespread discontent and his violent overthrow.
Khosrow II's alliance with Maurice, initially beneficial for both empires, collapsed after Maurice's assassination, leading to renewed conflict and significant geopolitical shifts.

Speakers

Eric Alexander

Host • 100%

Chapters

0:00	Introduction by Eric Alexander
0:16	Setting the stage for the Byzantine-Sasanian War and the empires' backgrounds
5:36	Khosrow II's exile, alliance, and military campaigns with Maurice
11:12	Battle of Blarathon's significance and geopolitical shifts
13:53	Maurice's financial challenges, the Avar threat, and army mutiny
19:01	Civilian discontent leading to Phocas's coup and Maurice's execution
22:47	Khosrow II's declaration of war, setting the stage for the next episode

Transcript

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