Heraclius' Bold Gamble Saves Byzantium

A dying empire was saved by one insane gamble in the fog. Back in 627 AD, the Byzantine Empire

was toast. The Persians had crushed them for decades, taking Jerusalem

and stealing the True Cross. But Emperor Heraclius refused to quit. He launched a suicide

mission in the dead of winter, marching straight into the enemy heartland near the ancient

ruins of Nineveh. On December 12, using thick fog as cover, Heraclius faked

a retreat to lure the Persian army into the open. Then, he did the unthinkable.

The Emperor personally charged into the melee and reportedly killed the Persian general in single

combat. The enemy line collapsed instantly. This victory didn't just end a twenty-five-year