Heraclius, Emperor of Byzantium

Description

This book evaluates the life and empire of the pivotal yet controversial Byzantine emperor Heraclius (ad. 610-641), a contemporary of the Prophet Muhammad. His stormy war-torn reign is critical for understanding the background to fundamental changes in the Balkans and the Middle East, including the emergence of Islam. Heraclius' skills enabled him to capture and recapture important territory, including Jerusalem, Syria and Egypt. Yet, they proved to be of little value when he confronted early Islamic conquests.

Walter E. Kaegi is Professor of History, The University of Chicago. He is the author of many books, including Byzantium and the Decline of Rome (1968), Byzantine Military Unrest 471-843 (1981), Army, Society and Religion in Byzantium (1982), Some Thoughts on Byzantine Military Strategy (1983), and Byzantium and the Early Islamic Conquests (1992, paperback 1995).

'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.' 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