In the Shadow of the Sword: The Birth of Islam and the Rise of the Global Arab Empire

New Rome

Constantine (306–37)

The founder of Constantinople, and the first Christian Caesar.

Helena

Constantine’s mother, and the discoverer of the True Cross.

Julian (361–3)

The last pagan Caesar.

Theodosius I (379–92)

The last Caesar to rule both halves of the Roman Empire.

Theodosius II (408–50)

The grandson of Theodosius I. Renowned for his piety, and for the walls around Constantinople that were built during his reign.

Anastasius (491–518)

A bureaucrat turned bean-counting emperor.

Justin (518–27)

A Balkan peasant who rose through the ranks to the imperial throne.

Justinian (527–65)

Justin’s nephew. A worthy rival to Khusrow I.

Theodora

A one-time actress, whore and comedian who became Justinian’s wife.

Belisarius

Justinian’s best general.

Maurice (582–602)

Sponsor of Khusrow II. Deposed by Phocas.

Phocas (602–10)

Deposed and killed by Heraclius.

Heraclius (610–41)

A proto-crusader whose reign witnessed extraordinary highs and lows.

Sergius

Defeated and killed by the Arabs outside Gaza.