History of Wars Summary 19 - Roman-Persian Wars 8 The Great War Beginning in 602

In the late 6th century, relations between Rome and the Sasanian Empire deteriorated again. When the war began in 572, both nations fought fiercely in Armenia and Mesopotamia. The conflict lasted for decades, with both sides committing vast amounts of troops and resources. However, the situation changed dramatically with the accession of Emperor Phocas in 602. Khosrow II of the Sasanian Empire, using his relationship with the previous emperor Maurice as a pretext, attacked Rome. The Sasanian army rapidly advanced into Syria, Egypt, and parts of Anatolia, at one point even threatening the safety of Constantinople. But Heraclius, who became emperor in 610, reorganized the military and finances and launched a major counteroffensive. He employed mobile warfare, attacking the enemy's rear and pressuring the Sasanian forces, ultimately achieving victory at the Battle of Nineveh in 627. Following this, internal turmoil grew within the Sasanian Empire, leading to the deposition of Khosrow II and the restoration of peace between the two nations.