Uploaded: 16 Apr 2026 (6 months ago) · Shared: 09 May 2026
Duration: 1:14:16
Video Description
Discover how the devastating Rome-Persia War (602–628 AD) reshaped the geopolitical landscape and paved the way for the rise of Early Islam in Arabia. In this captivating MythVision episode, Oxford historian Dr. James Howard-Johnston delves into the dramatic seventh-century conflict between the Byzantine Christian Empire and Sasanian Persia. Amidst widespread plague, apocalyptic expectations, and political chaos, a transformative movement emerged that altered world history forever.
By examining early history, sacred texts, and the Quran itself, Dr. Howard-Johnston illuminates the hidden factors behind Islam's rapid expansion across the Near East. This insightful discussion bridges the shared historical context of Christian, Jewish, and Islamic traditions during a crucial era of faith, imperial collapse, and spiritual transformation. Explore the profound historical shifts that connected Jerusalem, Constantinople, and Medina, offering essential insights for anyone interested in religious history, biblical studies, and the geopolitical origins of global civilizations.
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Search Google Search Explore Topics James Howard-Johnston Early Islam MythVision Persia Rome
Who is James Howard-Johnston?James Howard-Johnston (born 1942) is an English historian of the Byzantine Empire. He was University Lecturer in Byzantine studies at the University of Oxford. He is an emeritus fellow of Corpus Christi College, Oxford. His approach to Byzantium follows that of Edward Gibbon and concentrates on comparisons between the Byzantine state and its Western counterparts. Howard-Johnston has also done research on Late Antiquity, especially the Roman-Persian Wars and the early history of Islam.
What is Early Islam?Early Islam or the history of Islam is believed, by most historians to have originated with Muhammad's mission in Mecca and Medina at the start of the 7th century CE. Although Muslims regard this time as a return to the original faith passed down by the Abrahamic prophets, such as Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, Solomon, and Jesus, with the submission (Islam) to the will of God. According to the traditional account, the Islamic prophet Muhammad began receiving what Muslims consider to be divine revelations in 610 CE, calling for submission to the one God, preparation for the imminent Last Judgement, and charity for the poor and needy.
Who is MythVision?MythVision Podcast (MVP) brings you some of the finest information surrounding Mythology. Knowledge from a variety of people in search of a better understanding of ancient text. We discuss mythology, syncretism, astrotheology, gematria, sacred geometry, secret societies, ancient languages, history, prophecy, scholarship, conspiracies, heretical ideas, myth interpretations and much more.
What is Persia?Iran, also called Persia and officially the Islamic Republic of Iran is a country in Western Asia. With over 81 million inhabitants, Iran is the world's 18th most populous country. It is the second largest country in the Middle East and the 17th largest in the world.
Where is Rome?Rome is the capital city of Italy and a special comune (named Comune di Roma Capitale). Rome also serves as the capital of the Lazio region. With 2,872,800 residents in 1,285 km2 (496.1 sq mi), it is also the country's most populated comune. It is the fourth-most populous city in the European Union by population within city limits. It is the centre of the Metropolitan City of Rome, which has a population of 4.3 million residents. Rome is located in the central-western portion of the Italian Peninsula, within Lazio (Latium), along the shores of the Tiber. The Vatican City is an independent country inside the city boundaries of Rome, the only existing example of a country within a city: for this reason Rome has been often defined as capital of two states. Rome's history spans 28 centuries. While Roman mythology dates the founding of Rome at around 753 BC, the site has been inhabited for much longer, making it one of the oldest continuously occupied sites in Europe.
