Heraclius, Emperor of Byzantium - Softcover

Kaegi, Walter

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0521036984 ISBN 13: 9780521036986

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 2007

Synopsis

This book evaluates the life and empire of the pivotal yet controversial and poorly understood Byzantine emperor Heraclius (AD 610–641), a contemporary of the Prophet Muhammad. Heraclius' reign is critical for understanding the background to fundamental changes in the Balkans and the Middle East, including the emergence of Islam, at the end of antiquity. Heraclius captured and lost important swathes of territory, including Jerusalem and Syria and Egypt. Skills in exploiting divisions within the ranks of his opponents, and encouraging the switching of sides and the breakdown of morale, provided Heraclius with his greatest triumphs, yet they proved to be of little value when he finally confronted the early Islamic conquests. The author synthesizes diverse primary sources, including those in Greek and Arabic, in the light of more recent historical scholarship. The varied Mediterranean and Middle Eastern context stretches from North Africa to Syria, Armenia and what is modern Iraq.

About this title

Review:

'Kaegi offers a comprehensive and lucid analysis of Roman and Persian relationships in the early seventh century ... Kaegi's study usefully fills out an all too common gap in modern perceptions of early medieval history.' The Times Literary Supplement

'Kaegi is a master of his sources and this biography will provide the starting point for future serious study of the emperor.' History Today

'Kaegi brings his broad knowledge of Eastern sources to this biography, the first in English.' Judith Herrin, BBC History

'... a compelling assessment of an extraordinary reign.' Journal of Ecclesiastical History

Book Description:

This book evaluates the life and empire of the pivotal yet controversial and poorly understood Byzantine emperor Heraclius (AD 610–641), a contemporary of the Prophet Muhammad. His stormy reign is critical for understanding the background to fundamental changes in the Middle East and Balkans, including the emergence of Islam.

About this edition

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 2007
• ISBN 10: 0521036984
• ISBN 13: 9780521036986
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 372