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.com Find 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. For a free ebook, maps and blogs check out my website nickholmesauthor.com Find my latest book, Rome and Attila, on Amazon

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. For a free ebook, maps and blogs check out my website nickholmesauthor.com Find my latest book, Rome and Attila, on Amazon

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. For a free ebook, maps and blogs check out my website nickholmesauthor.com Find my latest book, Rome and Attila, on Amazon

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! For a free ebook, maps and blogs check out my website nickholmesauthor.com Find my latest book, Rome and Attila, on Amazon

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! For a free ebook, maps and blogs check out my website nickholmesauthor.com Find my latest book, Rome and Attila, on Amazon

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! For a free ebook, maps and blogs check out my website nickholmesauthor.com Find my latest book, Rome and Attila, on Amazon

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 For a free ebook, maps and blogs check out my website nickholmesauthor.com Find my latest book, Rome and Attila, on Amazon

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 For a free ebook, maps and blogs check out my website nickholmesauthor.com Find my latest book, Rome and Attila, on Amazon

Despite Belisarius' victory at Dara in 530, dissatisfaction was growing with Justinian which would soon lead to rebellion. For a free ebook, maps and blogs check out my website nickholmesauthor.com Find my latest book, Rome and Attila, on Amazon

In this episode, we meet one of Rome's greatest generals who will change the course of history. His name is Belisarius. For a free ebook, maps and blogs check out my website nickholmesauthor.com Find my latest book, Rome and Attila, on Amazon

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. For a free ebook, maps and blogs check out my website nickholmesauthor.com Find my latest book, Rome and Attila, on Amazon

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 For a free ebook, maps and blogs check out my website nickholmesauthor.com Find my latest book, Rome and Attila, on Amazon

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. For a free ebook, maps and blogs check out my website nickholmesauthor.com Find my latest book, Rome and Attila, on Amazon

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. For a free ebook, maps and blogs check out my website nickholmesauthor.com Find my latest book, Rome and Attila, on Amazon

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'. For a free ebook, maps and blogs check out my website nickholmesauthor.com Find my latest book, Rome and Attila, on Amazon

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. For a free ebook, maps and blogs check out my website nickholmesauthor.com Find my latest book, Rome and Attila, on Amazon

The Western Empire has fallen. In the East, Rome stands firm despite the failure of its expedition to recover North Africa. But a new power is emerging: the Ostrogoths. For a free ebook, maps and blogs check out my website nickholmesauthor.com Find my latest book, Rome and Attila, on Amazon

Before we begin the story of the great Age of Justinian, let's return to Attila the Hun. What was his role in paving the way for Justinian? You may be in for a surprise! For a free ebook, maps and blogs check out my website nickholmesauthor.com Find my latest book, Rome and Attila, on Amazon

In this episode, we look at what life for ordinary people was like as the western empire fell. And one extraordinary document has survived to tell us a fascinating tale. For a free ebook, maps and blogs check out my website nickholmesauthor.com Find my latest book, Rome and Attila, on Amazon