In May 540, the unthinkable happened. The Persian shah, Chosroes, burned the Roman Empire's second city, Antioch, to the ground and butchered or enslaved its inhabitants. How did this catastrophe happen? Find out here! For a free ebook, maps and blogs check out my website nickholmesauthor.com Find my latest book, Rome and Attila, on Amazon ..read more

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 ..read more

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.  ..read more

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 ..read more

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 ..read more

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 ..read more

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 ..read more

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 ..read more

My latest book, 'Rome and Attila', is now available on Amazon in ebook and paperback, links below. It’s about one of the most infamous figures in history—Attila the Hun. He’s a household name, but remarkably little is known about him and his popular legend as a brutal tyrant is not necessarily correct. I delve into the primary sources in search of the real Attila and find someone very different from the legend—a complex, captivating personality who despised ostentation, admired bravery and valued loyalty.  I also develop a new theory about the military history of this period, suggesting i ..read more

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 ..read more