Part 6/12:
Heraclius's bravery initially backfired. In 613 CE, during a conquest for Antioch, he faced the Persian forces commanded by Charbaras. Unfortunately, the Romans suffered a crushing defeat, and Heraclius barely escaped with his life. The ramifications were dire; the Persian army looted Antioch, and soon after took Jerusalem. News of these catastrophes created a climate of despair, as the enemies at the gates surged forth on every front, with the Slavs pressing hard from the north.