Byzantine struggles against Arab forces from "summary" of History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire by Edward Gibbon
The Eastern empire was reduced to the walls of Constantinople, the provinces of Asia were ruined, and the inhabitants of the Greek and Syrian cities were deprived of the use of their ancient and artificial harbors. In the beginning of the seventh century, the Roman territories were dismembered by the successful arms of the Persian monarch, and the ancient enemy of the empire had taken advantage of its recent troubles. The venerable age of Heraclius was crowned with glory and shame, and after a reign of thirty-one years, he left his throne to his son Heraclius, who derived his name from the pretended descendants of the Macedonian conqueror. Heraclius was reduced to the state of a fugitive, and from the coast of Caria to the suburbs of Constantinople, all was hostile and desolate. The emperor of the East had withdrawn into the heart of his dominions, and the army, with the faithless Gregoras, was defeated by the Persians. The loss of Egypt, Syria, and Africa was a heavy blow to the empire, and the only hope of Heraclius was in the courage and constancy of his subjects. The Arabs had descended from their deserts, and the Roman empire was attacked on every side by a nation of barbarians. The Arabian powers were united under the standard of the caliphs, and the Saracens were animated by the spirit of enthusiasm and conquest. The Byzantine struggles against the Arab forces were fierce and unrelenting, and the tide of battle ebbed and flowed over the plains of Asia and Africa. The armies of Heraclius were defeated in every encounter, and the empire was on the brink of destruction. The city of Jerusalem was taken by the Arabs, and the holy sepulcher was profaned by the followers of Mohammed. The Eastern empire was saved from destruction by the valor of the Greeks, and the genius of Heraclius. The Arabs were repulsed from the walls of Constantinople, and the Roman standard again floated in triumph over the provinces of Asia. The victories of Heraclius were celebrated with the highest honors, and the emperor was hailed as the deliverer of his country. The Eastern empire was restored to its former glory, and the Arab forces were driven back into their deserts.
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