The Persian and Arab Invasions
Bookmark this page

• Sasanians – Justinian’s peace of AD 562 0 did not produce a lasting settlement between Byzantium and Persia – new campaigns conducted by his successors – Justin II 565 – 78, Tiberius 578 – 82 and Maurice 582 – 602, whose aid in restoring Persian king Chosroes II from exile in 591 to important border concessions.
• Chosroes invaded Byzantine territory taking Antioch and then Jerusalem 614 0 sacked and slaughtered.  AD 617 Alexandria and Persian armies stormed through Asia Minor – sacking Ephesus and Sardis and reaching Chalcedon – laid siege to Constantinople with Avars in AD 626 – Emp. Heraclius extraordinary counter-attack fighting battle in the heart of Persia – his victory ensured fall of Sasanian dynasty to the Arabs.  Restored cross of Jerusalem in AD 630 – also had to face Avars and Slavs in the Balkans – in this situation insufficient pay or supplies.  Raised Phocas as Emperor in 602 – Heraclius’ victories cancelled out, in great irony, by advance of Arab armies on Syria; Ajnadayn, Fihl and Yarmuk between 634 and 637; Damascus fell shortly after long siege – Jerusalem surrendered by Sophronius in AD 638 and Alexandria fell in 642 0 Heraclius retuned to Constantinople in 641.

Other Notes in this Category

1. Reasons for their success
2. The Eastern Frontier
3. The Persian and Arab Invasions

Didn't find this useful?

• Visit Coursework.Info for over 14,000 GCSE, A-Level and University Essays