Reasons for their success
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• Phocas episode shows difficulty in paying for the army, Avar and Slav raids had a serious effects on Balkans. Financial difficult Heracus experiences highlighted by striking of silver from church treasures – raising men for Persian campaign huge and unrepeatable effort – Heraclius had in 609 – 610 from Carthage to C to put down Phocas in context of severe urban disturbance. Persian invasion of Asia Minor, Syria, Palestine, Egypt – widespread damage and started a stream of refuges that headed West into Italy. Degree of Byzantine restoration after recovery of Persian occupied territory is uncertain – little time before next invasion and Heraclius’ resources already stretched
• Thought for a while still facing Saracens – but Muhammed died in 632 0 Abu Bakr – did conquests cause a break in continuity in Eastern provinces, especially as Islamic rulers took over Byzantine administration and continued to employ Greek speaking officials to run it. More important change with transfer of government east to Baghdad in mid 8^th century
• Why did Arabs go to Palestine and Syria? Infrastructure and defence that might have stopped the Muslins as they moved from Arabia into Palestine not there – might be due to Heraclius’ celebrations and Arab tribes not being paid by B. as usually they were.
• Other religious factors present. Christian sources blame Jews for aiding Persian invaders – claim Jews in charge of Jerusalem when Persians left. After Herclius’ victory AD 632 forced conversion of all Jews – very harsh and severe treatment of the Jews.
• Ordination by Justinian of Monophysite clergy in Greater Syrian under Justinian had the effect of creating a divided church and giving monophysites an established position. Not entirely Monophysite though – patriachate of Antioch passed between Monophysite and Chalcedonian control – Palestine largely Chalcedonian and Heraclius hopeful attempt for unity with Monothelitism failed.
• Untrue that Monophysites would have preferred Arab to Byzantine rule – cannot have helped though.
• Main factors: military, political and economic – weakened Byzantine presence in eastern provinces – but yes divisions; Blues and Greens, Christians and Jews Monophysite and Chalcedonains.

Other Notes in this Category

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

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