Ever wondered why the Roman Empire fell? Find out in this podcast from British historian, Nick Holmes, as he tells the extraordinary story of Rome's decline and fall, and how its legacy is still central to the world we live in today.
Why did Arabia rise so rapidly in the seventh century AD to become the dominant global superpower? In this episode, we look at a fascinating new theory.For a free ebook, maps and blogs check out my website nickholmesauthor.comFind my latest book, Justinian's Empire, on Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk. For German listeners, find the German translation of the first book in my series on the 'Fall of the Roman Empire', Die rƶmische Revolution, on Amazon.de. Finally check out my new YouTube videos on the fall of the Roman Empire.
The Arab siege of Constantinople in 717/718 was one of the greatest turning points in all of history. Discover why in this episode.For a free ebook, maps and blogs check out my website nickholmesauthor.comFind my latest book, Justinian's Empire, on Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk. For German listeners, find the German translation of the first book in my series on the 'Fall of the Roman Empire', Die rƶmische Revolution, on Amazon.de. Finally check out my new YouTube videos on the fall of the Roman Empire.
In the first half of the seventh century AD, the rise of Islam seemed unstoppable. How could Byzantium survive? Luck and the invention of a medieval flame-thrower would help!For a free ebook, maps and blogs check out my website nickholmesauthor.comFind my latest book, Justinian's Empire, on Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk. For German listeners, find the German translation of the first book in my series on the 'Fall of the Roman Empire', Die rƶmische Revolution, on Amazon.de. Finally check out my new YouTube videos on the fall of the Roman Empire.
Roman Egypt was not only the Roman Empire's wealthiest province, it was also one of the earliest bastions of Christianity. Therefore, its rapid fall to the armies of Islam has long baffled historians. Discover the surprising story of how division, betrayal and sheer bad luck caused a turning point in history.Catholic FoundersThe #1 Podcast for Catholic EntreprenuersListen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyFor a free ebook, maps and blogs check out my website nickholmesauthor.comFind my latest book, Justinian's Empire, on Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk. For German listeners, find the German translation of the first book in my series on the 'Fall of the Roman Empire', Die rƶmische Revolution, on Amazon.de. Finally check out my new YouTube videos on the fall of the Roman Empire.
In this episode, we look at climate history and ask whether the rise of Islam was helped by more favorable climatic conditions during the Late Antique Little Ice Age?For a free ebook, maps and blogs check out my website nickholmesauthor.comFind my latest book, Justinian's Empire, on Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk. For German listeners, find the German translation of the first book in my series on the 'Fall of the Roman Empire', Die rƶmische Revolution, on Amazon.de. Finally check out my new YouTube videos on the fall of the Roman Empire.
In this episode, we revisit the 'Late Antique Little Ice Age' and the Justinianic Plague, and consider whether these contributed to the rise of Islam in the seventh century AD.For a free ebook, maps and blogs check out my website nickholmesauthor.comFind my latest book, Justinian's Empire, on Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk. For German listeners, find the German translation of the first book in my series on the 'Fall of the Roman Empire', Die rƶmische Revolution, on Amazon.de. Finally check out my new YouTube videos on the fall of the Roman Empire.
After defeating the Romans at the Battle of Yarmuk in 636, the first Islamic Caliphate turned its attention to Persia. The fighting there would be even more decisive than against the Romans. For a free ebook, maps and blogs check out my website nickholmesauthor.comFind my latest book, Justinian's Empire, on Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk. For German listeners, find the German translation of the first book in my series on the 'Fall of the Roman Empire', Die römische Revolution, on Amazon.de. Finally check out my new YouTube videos on the fall of the Roman Empire.
In August 636, near the Yarmuk river in modern-day Syria/Jordan, a battle was fought between the new Islamic Caliphate and the Roman Empire that would change the course of history. For a free ebook, maps and blogs check out my website nickholmesauthor.comFind my latest book, Justinian's Empire, on Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk. For German listeners, find the German translation of the first book in my series on the 'Fall of the Roman Empire', Die römische Revolution, on Amazon.de. Finally check out my new YouTube videos on the fall of the Roman Empire.
As Rome and Persia fought the last war of antiquity, they scarcely noticed a revolution was taking place in Arabia. A revolution led by a man named Muhammad.For a free ebook, maps and blogs check out my website nickholmesauthor.comFind my latest book, Justinian's Empire, on Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk. For German listeners, find the German translation of the first book in my series on the 'Fall of the Roman Empire', Die rƶmische Revolution, on Amazon.de.
Heraclius was one of the greatest of all Roman Emperors and soldiers, and in 628-30 he secured a complete victory over Rome's oldest enemy - Sasanian Persia.Create Harmony This is a podcast about setting an intentional rhythm, savoring life's blessings and...Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyFor a free ebook, maps and blogs check out my website nickholmesauthor.comFind my latest book, Justinian's Empire, on Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk. For German listeners, find the German translation of the first book in my series on the 'Fall of the Roman Empire', Die rƶmische Revolution, on Amazon.de.
The Roman Emperor Heraclius faced his gravest challenge yet in AD 626 as the Avars and Persians closed in on the capital city, Constantinople. But the year ahead would be full of surprises.For a free ebook, maps and blogs check out my website nickholmesauthor.comFind my latest book, Justinian's Empire, on Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk. For German listeners, find the German translation of the first book in my series on the 'Fall of the Roman Empire', Die rƶmische Revolution, on Amazon.de.
The year AD 622 was a difficult one for the Roman Empire and its emperor, Heraclius. Surrounded by the Avars in the west and the Persians in the east, the position looked hopeless. But Heraclius was a truly remarkable emperor and soldier. And he knew what the best form of defence was.If you're looking for a good read over the Christmas Holidays, check out my latest book 'Justinian's Empire' at Amazon US and Amazon UK. And if you speak German, please take a look at the German translation of 'The Roman Revolution' (first book in my series on 'The Fall of the Roman Empire') just published on Amazon.de.For a free ebook, maps and blogs check out my website nickholmesauthor.comFind my latest book, Justinian's Empire, on Amazon
In 615, the Roman Empire was on its knees. The Persians had conquered most of Syria and the Levant and were poised to invade Egypt, the empire's richest province. But from the ashes of defeat would arise a new army, led by the emperor Heraclius, determined to avenge the fall of Jerusalem. Centuries later, they would be called the First Crusaders.For a free ebook, maps and blogs check out my website nickholmesauthor.comFind my latest book, Justinian's Empire, on Amazon
When Heraclius seized the throne from Phocas, you might think the Romans had got lucky. But no! The first few years of his reign were nothing short of disastrous as the Persians advanced into the heart of the empire.Ā Ask Me Anything - EP. 6 "Therapy, Medication + Mental Health"The podcast where we answer IT ALL! Watch or Stream on Youtube and all streaming platformsListen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyFor a free ebook, maps and blogs check out my website nickholmesauthor.comFind my latest book, Justinian's Empire, on Amazon
I thought you might be interested to know that my latest book called āJustinian's Empire' is out now on Amazon in ebook and paperback. It will be with other distributors later and also available in audiobook probably within the next six months.Ā It's about the triumph and tragedy of Justinian's reign. Triumph because Justinian's general, Belisarius, recovered North Africa and Italy from the barbarians. Justinian also created a new law code that would endure to this day. And he built extraordinary monuments, like the iconic Hagia Sophia in modern Istanbul, rivalling the great buildings of Ancient Rome. But all that glitters is not gold. There was also tragedy in his reign, with a mini ice-age that caused famine and bubonic plague. I also suggest Justinian was a ruthless opportunist, and his western conquests drained the empire's wealth and critically weakened its army.So, rather than restoring Rome's greatness did he in fact pave the way for its catastrophic collapse less than a century after his death? Of course, if you've been listening to my podcasts much of this will be familiar to you. But I hope the book offers more than the podcast ā it has nine maps and 17 pictures, a chronology, list of emperors, an index in the paperback version, and the content is not just a transcript of the podcasts, it's more detailed with some additional material and a more carefully evaluated conclusion.I think the ebook is also really good value at only $4.99 in the US and Ā£3.99 in the UK ā probably cheaper than a cup of over-priced coffee! ā and certainly cheaper than most other books on the Roman Empire. Paperback is obviously more expensive since I can't control the printing costs.The links to Amazon US and Amazon UK are in the notes to this and I do hope you'll take a look, and if you do buy it and you're feeling generous why not leave a review? I'd love to hear your feedback.Thanks again for your time and talk to you again on the 7th December when we continue with Heraclius' epic struggle against the Persians.For a free ebook, maps and blogs check out my website nickholmesauthor.comFind my latest book, Justinian's Empire, on Amazon
The emperor Phocas' reign was one of the most tyrannical and bloodthirsty in all of Roman history. In North Africa, a young general rebelled against him. His name was Heraclius. He was to become the last great Roman emperor.For a free ebook, maps and blogs check out my website nickholmesauthor.comFind my latest book, Rome and Attila, on Amazon
We've reached a turning point in late Roman history. In 602, a Roman army officer called Phocas overthrew the emperor Maurice and began a tyrannical and bloodthirsty reign that would imperil the empire.For a free ebook, maps and blogs check out my website nickholmesauthor.comFind my latest book, Rome and Attila, on Amazon
Having secured peace with Persia in 592, the emperor Maurice could switch his army to the desperate situation on the western front. The Roman fight-back was in full swing.For a free ebook, maps and blogs check out my website nickholmesauthor.comFind my latest book, Rome and Attila, on Amazon
In 590, the emperor Maurice got his big break. Civil war in Persia opened up the possibility of an entirely new world.For a free ebook, maps and blogs check out my website nickholmesauthor.comFind my latest book, Rome and Attila, on Amazon
As the emperor Justin II descended into madness, Tiberius II stepped into his shoes. His reign would be short but eventful.For a free ebook, maps and blogs check out my website nickholmesauthor.comFind my latest book, Rome and Attila, on Amazon
In 565, Justinian died and he was succeeded by his nephew, Justin II. How would he cope with the over-extended empire Justinian had created?For a free ebook, maps and blogs check out my website nickholmesauthor.comFind my latest book, Rome and Attila, on Amazon
A quick update on the next season in this podcast, starting on 14th September. It's going to be the most exciting of all - about the collapse of the ancient world in the seventh century AD, and the rise of Islam. A true turning point in history.For a free ebook, maps and blogs check out my website nickholmesauthor.comFind my latest book, Rome and Attila, on Amazon
Did Justinian make or break the Roman Empire? Find out in this episode!For a free ebook, maps and blogs check out my website nickholmesauthor.comFind my latest book, Rome and Attila, on Amazon
In this episode, we look at society and religion in the age of Justinian. And we discover something that's been hidden in the sands of Egypt for 1,500 years.For a free ebook, maps and blogs check out my website nickholmesauthor.comFind my latest book, Rome and Attila, on Amazon
Justinian's wars of reconquest in the west left much of the Roman Empire weakly defended. Nowhere was this more evident than along the Danube frontier where new enemies were massing to pillage the empire and slaughter its inhabitants. They were the wolves from the north.For a free ebook, maps and blogs check out my website nickholmesauthor.comFind my latest book, Rome and Attila, on Amazon
In the early 550s, with its economy and population recovering from the effects of the Justinianic Plague, Justinian launched a new offensive to subdue the Ostrogoths in Italy. This time the Roman army was well resourced and success looked likely. But would the cost of victory be worth it?For a free ebook, maps and blogs check out my website nickholmesauthor.comFind my latest book, Rome and Attila, on Amazon
In 544, Belisarius returned to Italy to fight the Goths. It was his last campaign and the end of his career. But many years later, he was asked by the emperor Justinian to don his armor one more time and save the empire from a new foe!For a free ebook, maps and blogs check out my website nickholmesauthor.comFind my latest book, Rome and Attila, on Amazon
In 540, the Persians sacked Antioch. It was one of the greatest disasters in Roman history. But in 541, Belisarius was back from Italy. Could he now reverse the situation on the eastern front?For a free ebook, maps and blogs check out my website nickholmesauthor.comFind my latest book, Rome and Attila, on Amazon
In the summer of 541, bubonic plague struck the Roman Empire. Known as the Justinianic Plague, it would be just as bad as the Black Death that 800 years later devastated Medieval Europe. Find out what happened here!For a free ebook, maps and blogs check out my website nickholmesauthor.comFind my latest book, Rome and Attila, on Amazon
In the year 536, something very strange happened on planet Earth. The sun was dimmed and temperatures plummeted. This was followed by another apparently inexplicable event. A pandemic of unparalleled proportions struck the eastern Roman Empire. What was going on?? Find out in this episode!For a free ebook, maps and blogs check out my website nickholmesauthor.comFind my latest book, Rome and Attila, on Amazon
In May 540, the unthinkable happened. The Persian shah, Chosroes, burned the Roman Empire's second city, Antioch, to the ground and butchered or enslaved its inhabitants. How did this catastrophe happen? Find out here!For a free ebook, maps and blogs check out my website nickholmesauthor.comFind my latest book, Rome and Attila, on Amazon
In May 540, Belisarius captured Ravenna from the Goths and took prisoner the Gothic king Wittigis. But before he could destroy the Gothic kingdom completely, he was recalled to Constantinople to face the invading Persians. In the next few years, a new Gothic king - Totila - would retake most of Italy.For a free ebook, maps and blogs check out my website nickholmesauthor.comFind my latest book, Rome and Attila, on Amazon
After Belisarius' heroic defense of Rome in 537-538, it looked as if there might be a rapid end to the Gothic war. But no. The Roman high command was wracked by internal division that would prolong the war and lead to the tragic sack of Milan.Check out my website nickholmesauthor.com for a free ebook, maps and blogs.Find my latest book, 'Rome and Attila' on Amazon.Ā
In the summer of 536, Belisarius crossed the straits of Messina and marched on Rome. His army numbered 6,000 and he faced at least 30,000 Goths. It would be his greatest test.Check out my website nickholmesauthor.com for a free ebook, maps and blogs.Find my latest book, 'Rome and Attila', on Amazon.com here.
After Belisarius' triumph in North Africa, Justinian turned his gaze to Italy and the Kingdom of the Ostrogoths. But what was that Kingdom like? Find out here.For a free ebook, maps, blogs check out my website nickholmesauthor.com.For my latest book, Rome and Attila, click here.
Belisarius conquered the Vandal kingdom in North Africa in just six months. But it would take 15 years to bring peace to this new province of the Roman Empire. Find you why in this episode. Also, find a free ebook, maps and blogs at my website nickholmesauthor.com. Link here for my exciting new book 'Rome and Attila' only just out!
On 15th September, 533, Belisarius captured Carthage from the Vandals. But the Vandal king Gelimer was mustering all the forces he could for a last desperate battle. Interested in finding out more about Roman history? Visit my website nickholmesauthor.com for maps, blogs and a free ebook!
In June 533, Belisarius sailed for North Africa to reconquer Carthage. Most people thought he would fail...Please do visit my website nickholmesauthor.com for books, podcast episodes, maps, blogs and a free ebook!
The Nika riots ripped the heart out of Constantinople and nearly toppled Justinian. Desperate to restore his authority, Justinian looked west to the Vandal kingdom of Carthage which was experiencing its own problems.To find maps, blogs and a free ebook check out my website nickholmesauthor.com
My latest book, 'Rome and Attila', is now available on Amazon in ebook and paperback, links below. It's about one of the most infamous figures in historyāAttila the Hun. He's a household name, but remarkably little is known about him and his popular legend as a brutal tyrant is not necessarily correct. I delve into the primary sources in search of the real Attila and find someone very different from the legendāa complex, captivating personality who despised ostentation, admired bravery and valued loyalty.Ā I also develop a new theory about the military history of this period, suggesting it was Attila's ferocious onslaught against Constantinople that prompted the development of a new and more professional eastern Roman army which formed the basis for the army that Belisarius would later lead to victory when he reconquered much of the west in the sixth-century.Now, of course you've heard about this in the podcast episodes but I hope the book offers much more since it has maps, pictures and it's certainly more than just a transcript of the podcast since it goes into more detail in some areas and also contains more developed analysis and ideas than when I was recording the podcasts. So, think of the podcasts, if you like, as an introduction to the book.Thanks for your time and I hope you enjoy it!Link to buy the book Amazon.comLink to buy the book Amazon.co.uk
In January 532, the Nika riots in Constantinople shook the world and nearly overthrew the emperor Justinian. Find out what happened here. Link to my website for free resources - nickholmesauthor.com
Despite Belisarius' victory at Dara in 530, dissatisfaction was growing with Justinian which would soon lead to rebellion.
In this episode, we meet one of Rome's greatest generals who will change the course of history. His name is Belisarius.
Procopius is our main source for Roman history in the sixth century. He praises Justinian, Theodora and above all, Belisarius. But he's also left us with an unpublished document called the Secret History which contradicts everything he said in his other works. What's going on? Find out in this episode. For my website click here.
In 518, the emperor Anastasius died. According to Procopius, he was succeeded by an illiterate peasant named Justin. Although this did not sound promising, it was the beginning of a new golden age.Link to website nickholmesauthor.com
In this episode, we continue with one of the most remarkable but largely forgotten Roman emperors - Anastasius. In his reign, a great religious conflict divided the empire and one that nearly toppled him from power.
Anastasius was one of the most important but often ignored of the eastern Roman emperors. In his reign, to paraphrase Gregory of Tours: 'A great many things happened, some good, some bad.' In this episode, we look at one that was decidedly bad for the Romans - the return of the Sasanians.Ā
Anastasius is not one of Rome's most famous emperors but his achievements were critical to the growing strength of the eastern empire. It would be no exaggeration to say he was 'The New Diocletian'.
After the defeat at Carthage in 468, the eastern empire was looking precarious. But a new emperor, Zeno, would ensure both its and his own survival.
The Western Empire has fallen. In the East, Rome stands firm despite the failure of itsĀ expedition to recover North Africa. But a new power is emerging: the Ostrogoths.
Just a quick update on the next season which I'm very excited about because it will cover the reign of the emperor Justinian when his famous general, Belisarius, reconquered much of the west. We'll start on September 16th. See you then!